Why were over 150 Palestinians held on a plane in South Africa, and what forced authorities to let them in?
Palestinian refugees freed after 12-hour plane ordeal in Johannesburg. Image Source: TRT Africa
South Africa has once again become a focal point of global humanitarian attention after 153 Palestinian passengers were kept on a chartered aircraft for nearly 12 hours at OR Tambo International Airport before being allowed to disembark. The ordeal, which unfolded on Thursday, ignited nationwide outrage and intensified scrutiny over the country’s handling of displaced Palestinians fleeing ongoing war and displacement in Gaza.
A 12-Hour Ordeal on the Tarmac Sparks Public Outcry
The chartered Global Airways flight, reportedly arriving from Kenya, landed shortly after 8am. Instead of processing the passengers normally, South Africa’s Border Management Authority (BMA) halted their entry after noticing they lacked departure stamps and had not indicated how long they intended to stay in South Africa.
Despite Palestinians being eligible for 90-day visa-free travel, the BMA insisted the group had “failed the immigration test.” They were not allowed to leave the aircraft, leading to a 12-hour wait inside the plane. News of the incident spread quickly, prompting frustration from ordinary South Africans and activists who viewed the delay as contradictory to the country’s strong pro-Palestine stance.
Authorities later clarified that the absence of passport stamps raised suspicion, especially because none of the passengers requested asylum upon arrival, a move the BMA expected from individuals fleeing conflict.
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Humanitarian Intervention Changes Everything
The turning point came when the well-known South African humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers stepped in. Founder Imtiaz Sooliman assured the Ministry of Home Affairs that his organisation would provide accommodation and support for the passengers.
Within hours, Home Affairs authorised disembarkation and processing.
Out of the 153 passengers:
- 130 were granted entry into South Africa,
- 23 transferred directly to other destinations.
Sooliman later described the group as “distraught” and revealed disturbing claims from passengers: many said they were ordered by Israeli authorities to leave all belongings behind before boarding an unmarked aircraft at an Israeli air force base.
Missing Passport Stamps Raise Serious Allegations
Humanitarian groups and social workers assisting the refugees claim the missing exit stamps were not accidental.
Sooliman stated publicly that:
“Israel deliberately did not stamp the passports of these poor people to exacerbate their suffering in a foreign country.”
South African social worker Nigel Branken echoed those allegations, asserting that the passengers described a process that “clearly showed the marks of forced displacement,” with Israel allegedly moving Palestinians onto charter flights without providing documentation.
Johannesburg Hotel Becomes Temporary Refuge
Following their release, the 130 Palestinians were moved to a Johannesburg hotel while arrangements for their stay and onward travel are being coordinated. Humanitarian groups, including other NGOs joining Gift of the Givers, have begun mobilising resources for food, clothing, psychological support, and basic necessities.
The incident comes weeks after another chartered flight carrying 176 Palestinians landed in Johannesburg on October 28, indicating what may be an emerging pattern of unannounced arrivals linked to the ongoing devastation in Gaza.
South Africa Reinforces Its Commitment to Palestine
South Africa has been one of the world’s most vocal supporters of Palestinians in Gaza, leading a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The incident at OR Tambo has only reignited national debate about the country’s role in supporting displaced Palestinians while balancing immigration security protocols.
For now, the passengers are safe in South Africa, but many unanswered questions remain about who chartered the plane, why passports were left unstamped, and whether more such flights are forthcoming.
FAQ
1. Why were the Palestinians kept on the plane in South Africa?
They were held because South Africa’s Border Management Authority found no exit stamps in their passports and no information about their intended stay, triggering immigration concerns.
2. Why did South Africa eventually let them disembark?
Home Affairs authorised entry after Gift of the Givers guaranteed accommodation, support, and responsibility for the group.
3. How many Palestinians were allowed into South Africa?
Out of 153 passengers, 130 entered South Africa, while 23 connected to other destinations.
4. Did Israel stamp their passports before departure?
According to humanitarian workers and passengers, Israel did not stamp their passports, allegedly to complicate their movement abroad.
5. Who chartered the plane carrying the Palestinians?
The exact chartering authority remains unclear. Gift of the Givers stated they were not informed about who organised the flight.
6. Did the Palestinians request asylum?
No. BMA officials noted that none of the travellers applied for asylum, which contributed to initial entry denial.
7. Are the Palestinians refugees or visitors?
Many arrived from Gaza under distressing conditions, but were processed as visa-exempt travellers, not asylum seekers.
8. Where are the Palestinian passengers now?
They are being housed temporarily in a Johannesburg hotel with full humanitarian support.
9. Has this happened before in South Africa?
Yes. Another flight carrying 176 Palestinians arrived on October 28, suggesting repeated forced displacement.
10. Why is South Africa receiving Palestinians from Gaza?
South Africa has positioned itself as a strong supporter of Palestinians, legally and diplomatically, including leading a genocide case against Israel at the ICJ.