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The nation's leader Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that an investigation will be conducted into the mysterious landing of a private aircraft transporting 153 Palestinian nationals from Gaza into the country.

Primary Entry Rejection

The passengers arrived at OR Tambo International Airport but were originally denied admission and were stuck in the plane for in excess of 10 hours as they "did not have the standard exit markings in their identification papers", local authorities stated.

Most were finally allowed in after assistance from a local charity and because of the government's "understanding [and] sympathy", Ramaphosa said.

The details of their exit from Gaza and flight to South Africa remain unclear.

Diplomatic Context

The nation has continued firm backing for the Palestinian struggle during the conflict between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

Ramaphosa stated the travelers "in some way mysteriously were boarded a plane that passed by Nairobi" and flew to South Africa.

"These individuals left the Gaza Strip after receiving clearance from a foreign nation to receive them," declared an defense organization that oversees Gaza's border points.

Diplomatic Declaration

Per the diplomatic mission in South Africa, the travelers departed from a facility in Israel and journeyed to the nation via the Kenya's main city, "lacking prior note or coordination".

A statement from the embassy claimed "an unregistered and false organization [had] taken advantage of the difficult circumstances of our people in Gaza, misled households, received funds from them, and facilitated their movement in an irregular and careless manner".

Present Circumstances

Of the 153 passengers, 23 managed to travel to alternative places, resulting in 130 who were allowed into the country, government officials say.

Ramaphosa, addressing during an gathering in the urban center, said he was made aware of the ongoing situation by the home affairs minister.

In response, the president said "we must not refuse them", per domestic news.

"While they do not have the necessary identification and papers, these are persons from a conflict-ridden, a battle-scarred nation," he remarked.

Official Measures

The head of state also told journalists the South African government would conduct a "thorough review" of the matter and notify the citizens on "ongoing events and how this matter occurred where it is", as stated by public broadcaster.

Interior Official Leon Schreiber commented that while travelers from Palestine qualified for 90-day visa-free admission to South Africa, the lack of passport endorsements, homeward journeys or accommodation addresses in some of the passengers' documentation caused the first rejection to permit their entry to the territory.

After it was established that the absence of this details "was not evidence that the individuals wanted to apply for asylum" and their lodging was established, they were allowed in.

"All of the passengers are in possession of valid travel documents and, at present, not one of them have requested protection," he stated.

Support Assistance

South African charity has announced it will offer the group with accommodation in the territory.

Civil societies in the country have requested inquiries into the circumstances the individuals had escaped in Gaza and the precise path of the aircraft.

A single of the travelers who was interviewed by South African news shared his relief to be in the nation, portraying it as a land of "tranquility, laws and equity".

"We arrived from the Gaza Strip where we've encountered death on daily basis. We have lived through a conflict of an extended period and we are lucky to be in this place," stated one man who had departed with his partner and kids.

Complaints and Demands for Accountability

The aid foundation has since called for Ramaphosa to investigate the government agency and immigration officials for the "embarrassment they've created" the travelers.

The foundation's founder claimed this treatment consisted of being forced to remain for an extended period on the tarmac at the airport, being denied food offered by the charity and "utilizing all possible reasons in the guide to prevent these travelers from disembarking".

Traditional Advocacy

The country has been strongly opposed of Israel's armed campaign in Gaza.

The state's sympathy for the Palestinian struggle for an independent state goes back many years, especially the start of the last decade when national hero Nelson Mandela vowed backing for the Palestinian cause.

Large pro-Palestinian marches have been organized across the country since the war started.

More limited supporting Israel rallies and rallies have been conducted in the nation, which contains the most significant Jewish community in sub-Saharan Africa.

In the previous year, the national administration submitted a lawsuit against the nation with the global judicial body, charging it of genocide in Gaza. The Israeli government has strongly rejected the allegation, calling it "baseless".