South African authorities came under intense criticism on Friday after 153 Palestinian passengers were held aboard a plane for nearly 12 hours at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport.
The passengers, who arrived on a chartered flight from Kenya on Thursday morning, were denied entry by immigration officials who said they lacked Israeli exit stamps, had no local addresses, and did not indicate the duration of their intended stay. Police noted that the travellers did not have the “customary departure stamps” but also confirmed that none expressed an intention to seek asylum.
Following public outcry, the Ministry of Home Affairs intervened and authorised their disembarkation. Humanitarian group Gift of the Givers subsequently offered temporary accommodation.
According to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the passengers were fleeing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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