South Africa halts charter flights. This follows after a private plane carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza landed at OR Tambo International Airport and immediately raised questions. Passengers stayed on board for hours while officials checked documents and tried to verify details about the trip.
Authorities found gaps in paperwork. Some passengers did not have clear exit stamps, confirmed accommodation or return plans. Officials eventually allowed them into the country and granted 90 day visa exemptions on humanitarian grounds.
Government Launches Investigation Into Organisers
Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said he is concerned about how the organisers ran the flight and who stands behind it. He described the operation as suspicious. Therefore, security structures now investigate the organisers, their funding, and the routes they used.
Officials want to know whether the charter forms part of a wider network. They investigate if it moves Palestinians out of Gaza, the West Bank, and neighbouring countries without proper oversight.
Fears of Exploitation and Trafficking
Palestinian representatives in South Africa accuse an unregistered organisation of exploiting desperate families. These families are trying to escape the war. They say the organisers took money and made promises about safety and onward travel. However, they often failed to explain that South Africa would be the final destination.
Some families reportedly paid thousands of dollars per person, which has fuelled fears of trafficking and abuse of vulnerable people. Humanitarian groups have called for stronger oversight so that support for Palestinians does not create new risks.
No More Charter Flights For Now
Lamola says South Africa halts charter operations that move Palestinians into the country. This halt will continue until the state understands who stands behind them. He warned that no one will use the country as part of any project. Specifically, one aimed to push Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank.
For now, the 153 people from the latest flight remain in South Africa on temporary visas while officials assess their situation. The government says it wants to balance humanitarian solidarity with firm action. This is against anyone who may be abusing the migration system.
