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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that an investigation will be conducted into the mysterious landing of a private aircraft transporting 153 individuals from Palestine from the Gaza Strip into the territory.

Initial Admission Rejection

The travelers landed at OR Tambo International Airport but were originally blocked from entering and were stuck in the jet for in excess of 10 hours as they "did not have the usual exit markings in their passports", airport representatives stated.

The majority were ultimately granted entry after support from a local charity and because of the leadership's "understanding [and] humanity", Ramaphosa stated.

The details of their exit from the Gaza Strip and journey to the nation are still unknown.

Political Background

The nation has continued consistent advocacy for the Palestinian cause amid the war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

Ramaphosa commented the travelers "somehow mysteriously were put on a jet that traveled through Nairobi" and continued to the nation.

"The travelers left the Gaza territory after obtaining authorization from a foreign nation to welcome them," declared an government agency that oversees Gaza's entry-exit locations.

Embassy Comment

According to the official representation in South Africa, the passengers exited Israel's Ramon Airport and traveled to the state via the Kenya's main city, "absent advance notification or arrangement".

A announcement from the embassy stated "a non-official and false entity [had] taken advantage of the difficult circumstances of our people in the Gaza Strip, misled households, received funds from them, and organized their travel in an unorthodox and careless fashion".

Current Situation

From the 153 travelers, 23 were able to continue to other destinations, resulting in 130 who were granted entry into the nation, South African authorities say.

Ramaphosa, addressing during an gathering in the urban center, mentioned he was notified of the developing situation by the government representative.

In response, the head of state stated "we are unable to refuse them", per South African reporting.

"Even though they lack the necessary papers and papers, these are individuals from a war-ravaged, a battle-scarred country," he continued.

Government Response

The leader also told journalists the South African government would perform a "proper evaluation" of the situation and update the public on "ongoing events and the manner in which this situation occurred where it is", as stated by public broadcaster.

Interior Official Leon Schreiber commented that while travelers from Palestine qualified for 90-day no-visa admission to the country, the lack of passport endorsements, round-trip fares or housing locations in some of the passengers' records caused the initial refusal to permit their entry to the country.

Once it was established that the absence of this details "did not suggest that the passengers wanted to request refugee status" and their accommodation was established, they were granted entry.

"All of the passengers are in possession of legitimate passports and, now, zero of them have requested refuge," he confirmed.

Humanitarian Assistance

South African charity has announced it will offer the group with housing in the nation.

Non-governmental organizations in the nation have requested investigations into the situation the Palestinians had escaped in Gaza and the specific journey of the aircraft.

One of the Palestinians who spoke to South African news expressed his relief to be in South Africa, portraying it as a nation of "tranquility, rules and equity".

"We arrived from Gaza where we've encountered mortality on daily basis. We have lived through a hostilities of 24 months and we are blessed to be in this place," remarked a male passenger who had escaped with his wife and two children.

Criticism and Demands for Action

The humanitarian organization has afterwards demanded Ramaphosa to look into the government agency and border authority for the "disrespect they've inflicted" the travelers.

The organization's founder claimed this conduct involved being made to remain for an extended period on the airport area at the terminal, being prevented from receiving nourishment provided by the charity and "utilizing all possible reasons in the guide to stop these individuals from disembarking".

Traditional Advocacy

The country has been highly critical of Israel's armed campaign in the Gaza Strip.

The country's sympathy for the Palestinian cause for an sovereign nation extends many years, notably the early 1990s when anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela committed support for the Palestinian struggle.

Large in favor of Palestinian rights protests have been held throughout the country since the hostilities began.

More limited supporting Israel rallies and rallies have been organized in the state, which has the largest Jewish community in sub-Saharan Africa.

In the previous year, the South African government lodged a case against Israel with the International Court of Justice, alleging it of systematic destruction in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has strongly rejected the South African claim, labeling it "unsubstantiated".