JERUSALEM – Israeli authorities have stated that 153 Palestinians who arrived unexpectedly in South Africa had received entry approval from a third country before being allowed to leave Gaza.
The announcement came after the group’s mysterious arrival in Johannesburg sparked questions from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who noted they “somehow mysteriously were put on a plane.” The passengers were kept aboard their aircraft for 12 hours upon arrival due to missing Israeli departure stamps in their passports.
According to COGAT, the Israeli body that runs civil affairs in Palestinian territories, the residents were only permitted to leave “after COGAT received approval from a third country to receive them,” though the country was not named. South African NGO Gift of the Givers, which provided accommodation, said it did not know who chartered the flight.
The incident occurs amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries, with South Africa having previously accused Israel of genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice.
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Disclaimer: This report is a synthesized summary of news from other News and AFP. CDA News has condensed this information for readability and is not the original source.
