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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that an investigation will be conducted into the puzzling arrival of a leased jet bringing 153 Palestinians from Gaza into the nation.

First Access Refusal

The travelers landed at OR Tambo International Airport but were at first blocked from entering and were stuck in the aircraft for more than 10 hours as they "lacked the usual exit markings in their travel documents", local authorities stated.

The majority were eventually permitted to enter after support from a domestic humanitarian organization and because of the administration's "compassion [and] compassion", Ramaphosa remarked.

The details of their exit from the Gaza Strip and journey to the country remain unclear.

Political Context

The nation has continued strong support for the Palestinian cause amid the conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.

Ramaphosa commented the travelers "through unknown means mysteriously were boarded a plane that passed by Nairobi" and traveled to the nation.

"The travelers departed from the Gaza Strip after obtaining clearance from a foreign nation to welcome them," announced an Israeli military body that manages Gaza's border points.

Embassy Comment

According to the Palestinian embassy in the nation, the group departed from an Israeli airport and flew to the state via the Kenya's main city, "lacking prior note or arrangement".

A declaration from the diplomatic mission stated "an unauthorized and deceptive entity [had] taken advantage of the devastating circumstances of our citizens in the Gaza Strip, tricked individuals, took payments from them, and arranged their journey in an irregular and reckless fashion".

Latest Status

Among the 153 passengers, 23 succeeded to travel to other locations, resulting in 130 who were granted entry into the country, government officials say.

Ramaphosa, speaking during an event in the city, stated he was made aware of the ongoing issue by the interior official.

In reply, the leader said "we are unable to refuse them", per local media.

"Although they lack the required papers and records, these are persons from a war-ravaged, a violence-plagued country," he remarked.

Government Action

The head of state also told journalists the South African government would conduct a "proper evaluation" of the matter and update the citizens on "what is happening and the manner in which this situation came to be as it stands", as stated by national media.

Interior Official Leon Schreiber stated that while individuals with Palestinian documents were eligible for 90-day no-visa entry to the nation, the absence of passport endorsements, round-trip fares or residence details in some of the passengers' papers led to the initial denial to let them into the nation.

After it was established that the non-presence of this information "did not indicate that the individuals wanted to seek protection" and their accommodation was verified, they were granted entry.

"Each of the passengers are in possession of current travel documents and, currently, not one of them have requested protection," he confirmed.

Humanitarian Efforts

Local humanitarian organization has stated it will offer the group with lodging in the country.

Non-governmental organizations in the nation have demanded examinations into the circumstances the Palestinians had escaped in the Gaza Strip and the specific journey of the aircraft.

One of the Palestinian nationals who was interviewed by domestic television shared his thankfulness to be in the nation, characterizing it as a country of "peace, rules and justice".

"We traveled from the Gaza Strip where we've faced death on daily basis. We have endured a conflict of two years and we are blessed to be here," remarked one man who had fled with his partner and kids.

Criticism and Requests for Accountability

The charity group has since demanded Ramaphosa to investigate the government agency and immigration officials for the "embarrassment they've inflicted" the travelers.

The organization's leader claimed this treatment included being made to remain for hours on the runway at the airport, being denied nourishment provided by the group and "using every excuse in the book to stop these passengers from leaving the plane".

Traditional Advocacy

South Africa has been highly critical of the nation's armed campaign in the Gaza Strip.

The nation's sympathy for the Palestinian cause for an sovereign nation goes back many years, particularly the early 1990s when anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela vowed assistance for the Palestinian cause.

Significant in favor of Palestinian rights protests have been held around the nation since the conflict began.

More limited pro-Israel demonstrations and gatherings have been held in the nation, which contains the most significant Jewish residents in sub-Saharan Africa.

In last year, the South African government filed a case against the nation with the world court, alleging it of genocide in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has categorically refused the allegation, calling it "without foundation".