South Africa has allowed 153 Palestinian passengers to finally disembark at OR Tambo International Airport after they were kept on board for nearly 12 hours in what has been described as a tense and emotionally exhausting ordeal.
The passengers, most of whom were fleeing the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, arrived on a privately chartered flight late in the evening. However, upon landing, they were not immediately granted permission to leave the aircraft. Immigration and security officials requested additional time to conduct thorough verification and processing due to incomplete travel documents and the sensitive nature of the passengers’ situation.
According to airport sources, authorities needed to cross-check identities, conduct background assessments, and confirm each traveller’s final destination or sponsor within South Africa. These measures, officials explained, were standard for passengers arriving from conflict zones, but the length of the delay raised concern among humanitarian groups and observers following the incident.
Inside the aircraft, passengers—many of whom included women, elderly people, and children—endured long hours of uncertainty. Several advocacy organizations, including pro-Palestinian groups based in South Africa, urgently engaged government officials to intervene and speed up the clearance process. They argued that the prolonged delay was deeply distressing for individuals already traumatized by war, displacement, and loss.
As the hours passed, the situation drew public attention on social media, with activists calling for compassion and quick action. Some described the ordeal as “inhumane,” while others appealed directly to South African authorities, urging them to uphold the country’s long-standing stance of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
By early morning, after continuous discussions between immigration services, the Department of Home Affairs, and humanitarian agencies, clearance procedures were completed. The passengers were finally allowed to leave the plane and make their way into the airport terminal for further processing.
Government officials later clarified the reason for the extended delay, explaining that safety and verification protocols could not be bypassed. They emphasized that the passengers were never denied entry but needed to undergo comprehensive checks to ensure compliance with international travel and security regulations.
The South African government also reassured the public of its unwavering support for Palestinians affected by the crisis. A spokesperson highlighted that South Africa has consistently provided humanitarian assistance and advocated for the protection of civilians caught in conflict. The spokesperson added that the country remains committed to facilitating safe passage for displaced individuals where possible.
Human rights groups welcomed the eventual resolution but urged the government to develop quicker procedures for handling similar humanitarian arrivals in the future. They argued that vulnerable passengers—especially children and the elderly—must not be subjected to unnecessary distress during already difficult journeys.
The 153 Palestinians have since been received by community groups and support organizations who are assisting them with temporary accommodation, counselling, and onward travel arrangements. Their arrival adds to the growing number of displaced families seeking safety as the conflict in Gaza continues to claim lives and destroy homes.
Source: Thepressradio.com
