Fri Nov 14 05:04:45 UTC 2025: Summary:
A chartered plane carrying 153 Palestinian passengers landed in South Africa, but the passengers were initially denied entry due to missing departure stamps in their passports and a lack of information regarding their stay. After a nearly 12-hour delay and intervention by a humanitarian organization (Gift of the Givers), which guaranteed accommodation, 130 passengers were allowed to enter, while 23 transferred to other destinations. This was the second plane carrying Palestinian passengers to land in South Africa in recent weeks. The situation sparked public outrage, given South Africa’s strong support for Palestine. The passengers are believed to be fleeing Gaza, with some reports suggesting Israel is deliberately not stamping their passports to create difficulties for them abroad.
News Article:
Palestinian Passengers Stranded at South African Airport Before Being Granted Entry
Johannesburg, South Africa – A chartered flight carrying 153 Palestinian passengers was held at OR Tambo International Airport for nearly 12 hours on Thursday after authorities initially denied them entry due to passport irregularities.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) cited the lack of customary departure stamps in the passengers’ passports and insufficient information regarding their intended stay and accommodation as reasons for the initial refusal.
The situation sparked outrage in South Africa, a nation known for its strong support of the Palestinian cause. News of the stranded passengers spread quickly, prompting criticism of the delay.
Ultimately, South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs authorized the passengers to disembark after the Gift of the Givers, a local humanitarian organization, pledged to provide accommodation if needed. In the end 130 passengers were allowed entry into South Africa while 23 transferred to connecting flights.
Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman revealed that a previous flight carrying 176 Palestinian passengers had landed in Johannesburg on October 28. He suggested that Israel might be involved in evacuating Palestinians from Gaza via chartered planes, deliberately omitting passport stamps to complicate their arrival in foreign countries. Nigel Branken, a South African social worker, corroborated this account, saying passengers who arrived from Gaza were ordered to leave their belongings and transported on an unmarked plane.
South African authorities stated the Palestinian passengers will be required to adhere to all conditions of entry now that they have been permitted to enter the country.
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