South African authorities initiated an investigation after a chartered aircraft carrying more than 150 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip landed at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport without proper documentation.

The plane arrived on the morning of November 13, but the passengers were kept aboard on the tarmac for approximately 12 hours. Border officials stated that the 153 individuals, who included families, children, and a pregnant woman, lacked the necessary travel documents, exit stamps typically issued by Israeli authorities, and could not provide concrete details about their intended stay in South Africa. The extended detention led to harsh criticism from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) over the poor, unprovisioned conditions on the plane.

International Intrigue and Allegations

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that the country’s intelligence services were working to uncover the origins of the flight, which reportedly included a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya. President Ramaphosa suggested the incident raised concerns that the people were being “flushed out” of Gaza.

The Palestinian Embassy in South Africa issued a strong statement, claiming the flight was organized by a deceptive, unregistered organization that exploited the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The embassy alleged this entity collected money from the families and arranged their travel in an “irregular and irresponsible manner” before attempting to shirk responsibility when complications arose.

Conversely, an Israeli military official indicated that an organization known as Al-Majd had arranged the transfer. According to this account, the organization escorted Palestinians from Gaza to the Kerem Shalom crossing, where they were then transported to Israel’s Ramon airport for the flight out of the country. Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) confirmed the departure was part of a government policy allowing Gaza residents to leave, with the approval of a “third country.”

Outcome and Context

Following intervention from South Africa’s Ministry of Home Affairs and an offer of shelter from the local NGO Gift of the Givers, the 130 Palestinians who wished to remain were granted entry into the country despite the lack of proper documentation. Another 23 passengers reportedly traveled on to other unspecified nations.

President Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa must receive the passengers “out of compassion” given they came from a war-torn region. The episode highlights the broader geopolitical tensions, as South Africa is a vocal international critic of Israel, having accused it of genocide at the United Nations’ top court—an allegation Israel firmly denies. The arrival was reportedly the second such mysterious flight in the span of a month.