South Africa Allows Entry for 130 Palestinians

South African border authorities have permitted 130 Palestinians to enter the country at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday, following an initial refusal due to immigration requirements not being met.

The group, originally comprising 153 Palestinians arriving on a chartered flight operated by Global Airways from Kenya, lacked clarity on the duration and location of their stay, and their passports did not contain departure stamps indicating the airport of origin.

Michael Masiapato, commissioner of the South African Border Management Authority, explained that the travelers failed the immigration check and did not indicate any intention to apply for asylum, leading to initial entry denial.

However, the Department of Home Affairs reversed the decision on Wednesday evening after receiving correspondence from the humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers, which agreed to provide accommodation for the Palestinians during their stay.

By the time the entry was approved, 23 of the 153 passengers had already departed for other destinations, while the remainder were allowed in under the care of the humanitarian group.

Gift of the Givers stated that the Palestinians are entitled to enter South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa, provided they meet basic entry requirements.

South Africa maintains a supportive stance on the Palestinian cause and in 2023 filed a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of committing “genocide” in Gaza, a charge rejected by Tel Aviv.