South Africa has announced it will no longer accept any chartered flights carrying Palestinians, following the arrival of 153 passengers from Gaza which triggered controversy and speculation regarding the nature of these flights.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola stated this action was motivated by concerns that these flights are part of a 'cleansing agenda' aimed at removing Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. The Israeli government has not responded to these allegations, but claims South Africa had previously consented to receiving the group.
The Palestinian embassy indicated the group traveled from Israel’s Ramon Airport to South Africa via Nairobi without prior coordination, labeling the situation as manipulated by an unregistered organization that misled families and irresponsibly handled their travel arrangements.
Upon their arrival, the passengers were initially denied entry due to lacking proper documentation, prompting significant delays until local charity intervention facilitated their disembarkation. President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that the decision to allow them entry stemmed from compassion.
Lamola emphasized ongoing investigations regarding the orchestrated movement of Palestinians, accusing certain entities of executing a plan to disseminate them across various countries. The situation remains sensitive, especially amid escalating tensions across the region.
This announcement unfolds against a backdrop of South African support for the Palestinian cause, reminiscent of the country’s history in advocating for human rights and justice in the face of geopolitical challenges. Public sentiment around the Palestinian plight has stirred considerable demonstrations across South Africa, reflecting deep-seated national sentiments regarding these global issues.
Furthermore, the South African government has drawn international scrutiny by filing a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, asserting allegations of genocide in Gaza, a claim that Israel has rebuffed as unfounded.
