JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — South African authorities faced heavy criticism on Friday after more than 150 Palestinian passengers were held aboard a charter plane for nearly 12 hours at O.R. Tambo International Airport due to complications with their travel documents.
Among those stranded was a woman nine months pregnant, as well as families with young children. Pastor Nigel Branken, who was permitted to meet the passengers, described the conditions as “appalling.” He said the plane was “like a sauna,” with babies and children drenched in sweat.
Immigration Dispute
According to the Border Management Authority, the Palestinians lacked exit stamps from Israeli authorities, had not indicated how long they would stay in South Africa, and had not provided local addresses — leading immigration officials to deny them entry.
Intervention and Asylum
The passengers were eventually allowed to disembark late Thursday night after the Ministry of Home Affairs intervened and local NGO Gift of the Givers offered to accommodate them. Of the 153 passengers, 23 have since traveled on to other countries, leaving about 130 in South Africa.
Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman said this was the second plane carrying Palestinians to arrive in South Africa in two weeks, with passengers reporting they did not know their final destination. Both flights are believed to have carried people fleeing war-torn Gaza.
Political Context
South Africa has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, and the treatment of the travelers has sparked anger among activists and civil society groups. Many of the passengers are now expected to seek asylum in South Africa.