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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that an investigation will be initiated into the unexplained appearance of a leased jet bringing 153 individuals from Palestine from Gaza into the country.

Initial Access Denial

The passengers landed at OR Tambo International Airport but were initially blocked from entering and remained in the jet for in excess of 10 hours as they "were missing the usual exit markings in their passports", government officials confirmed.

A large portion were finally granted entry after intervention from a domestic humanitarian organization and because of the leadership's "compassion [and] humanity", Ramaphosa said.

The circumstances of their exit from the Gaza Strip and journey to the country continue to be mysterious.

Political Setting

The country has continued strong support for the Palestinian cause during the war between the Hamas organization and Israel in Gaza.

Ramaphosa said the travelers "somehow puzzlingly were boarded a aircraft that traveled through Nairobi" and flew to South Africa.

"These individuals exited the Gaza Strip after obtaining authorization from a another state to accept them," stated an defense organization that oversees Gaza's crossings.

Diplomatic Comment

Based on the diplomatic mission in the country, the travelers exited an Israeli airport and flew to the country via the Nairobi, "absent advance notification or planning".

A statement from the diplomatic mission stated "an unauthorized and misleading entity [had] used the tragic humanitarian conditions of our citizens in the Gaza Strip, deceived households, collected money from them, and arranged their movement in an irregular and reckless fashion".

Latest Status

Among the 153 passengers, 23 succeeded to continue to different locations, with 130 who were admitted into the territory, government officials confirm.

Ramaphosa, talking during an gathering in the city, said he was informed of the unfolding crisis by the home affairs minister.

In response, the leader declared "we must not refuse them", as reported by domestic news.

"Even though they do not have the required documents and papers, these are persons from a war-ravaged, a war-torn nation," he added.

Government Response

The leader also stated to media representatives the national administration would perform a "proper evaluation" of the issue and notify the citizens on "ongoing events and how this situation developed where it is", as stated by government television.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber commented that while travelers from Palestine met requirements for 90-day no-visa admission to the nation, the lack of exit markings, round-trip fares or housing locations in various of the travellers' documentation resulted in the original refusal to allow them into the country.

Once it was determined that the absence of this information "did not indicate that the travellers intended to request refugee status" and their lodging was verified, they were permitted to enter.

"Each of the travellers are in possession of valid travel documents and, at present, zero of them have applied for asylum," he said.

Support Efforts

Local humanitarian organization has stated it will supply the travelers with lodging in the nation.

Civil societies in the nation have requested inquiries into the situation the Palestinian nationals had escaped in the Gaza Strip and the exact path of the jet.

An individual of the Palestinians who was interviewed by South African news voiced his relief to be in South Africa, describing it as a nation of "harmony, laws and justice".

"We arrived from the Gaza Strip where we've faced death on every day. We have survived a conflict of an extended period and we are fortunate to be here," said a male passenger who had fled with his spouse and offspring.

Criticism and Requests for Action

The humanitarian organization has afterwards called for Ramaphosa to examine the home affairs ministry and border authority for the "disrespect they've inflicted" the travelers.

The foundation's founder stated this handling involved being forced to stay for an extended period on the airport area at the terminal, being denied food supplied by the charity and "utilizing every excuse in the book to prevent these individuals from disembarking".

Traditional Backing

South Africa has been sharply disapproving of the nation's military operation in the Gaza Strip.

The nation's solidarity for the Palestinian cause for an independent state extends a long time, especially the start of the last decade when national hero Nelson Mandela pledged backing for the Palestinian cause.

Large in favor of Palestinian rights protests have been conducted throughout the country since the war started.

Smaller pro-Israel demonstrations and gatherings have been conducted in the nation, which contains the largest Jewish population in sub-Saharan Africa.

In the previous year, the South African government filed a legal action against the nation with the world court, alleging it of genocide in Gaza. The nation has strongly rejected the accusation, labeling it "baseless".