South Africa has granted entry to 153 Palestinian refugees fleeing escalating violence in Gaza, following a tense and prolonged standoff at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. The group, mostly women and children, arrived on a Kenya Airways flight but were held on board for nearly nine hours as immigration authorities faced complications verifying identities due to missing exit stamps from Israel.
Humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers coordinated the refugees’ journey, highlighting the added distress caused by the bureaucratic delays. The lack of official departure stamps from Israeli authorities created a legal obstacle, delaying the disembarkation process. The Border Management Authority (BMA) initially denied entry, citing failure to meet immigration requirements and the absence of asylum applications.
Deputy Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi stated, “Following their failure to pass the immigration test and given that none of the travellers expressed an intention to apply for asylum, they were initially denied entry.” The Ministry of Home Affairs intervened after receiving assurances from Gift of the Givers regarding accommodation and care for the refugees during their stay.
Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of Gift of the Givers, noted that the missing exit stamps had placed the refugees in a highly stressful situation at a moment when safety was paramount. Twenty-three members of the group have since relocated to other destinations within Africa, according to Eyewitness News.
South Africa’s decision reflects its long-standing political and diplomatic support for the Palestinian cause. Officials from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), including Director-General Zane Dangor, coordinated with the Department of Home Affairs to expedite verification and waive certain entry requirements. Justice Minister Ronald Lamola also facilitated the humanitarian intervention, enabling the refugees to disembark safely.
The arrival of Palestinian refugees comes amid a broader global migration crisis. Africa already contends with internal displacement from conflicts in Sudan, the Sahel region, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Horn of Africa. The Gaza conflict introduces additional pressure, as families flee escalating violence and seek refuge in countries perceived as sympathetic or politically aligned with Palestine.
Gift of the Givers emphasized that the intervention prioritised humanitarian principles, but earlier coordination could have prevented emotional strain on the refugees. The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has forced millions to flee their homes, with Africa likely to see increased movement of displaced persons as the crisis continues.
South Africa’s response demonstrates the country’s commitment to humanitarian protection amid complex regional and international migration dynamics, highlighting the intersection of domestic policy, diplomatic relations, and global conflict in shaping migration patterns.
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