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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that a probe will be conducted into the puzzling arrival of a private aircraft carrying 153 Palestinians from Gaza into the country.

First Entry Refusal

The travelers arrived at OR Tambo International Airport but were originally refused entry and remained in the jet for over 10 hours as they "did not have the standard departure stamps in their passports", airport representatives reported.

Most were finally granted entry after intervention from a domestic humanitarian organization and because of the government's "empathy [and] humanity", Ramaphosa remarked.

The particulars of their departure from Gaza and travel to the country remain unclear.

Diplomatic Context

South Africa has maintained strong support for the Palestinian cause amid the war between the Hamas organization and Israel in Gaza.

Ramaphosa stated the group "somehow unexplainably were put on a plane that stopped in Nairobi" and flew to the country.

"These individuals exited the Palestinian enclave after obtaining clearance from a foreign nation to accept them," declared an defense organization that controls Gaza's crossings.

Embassy Statement

Per the Palestinian embassy in the country, the passengers exited Israel's Ramon Airport and traveled to the state via the Nairobi, "lacking previous coordination or planning".

A announcement from the official office stated "an unauthorized and deceptive group [had] exploited the devastating living situation of our citizens in Gaza, tricked individuals, received funds from them, and organized their movement in an irregular and irresponsible fashion".

Latest Situation

Of the 153 individuals, 23 succeeded to continue to other places, resulting in 130 who were allowed into the country, South African authorities report.

Ramaphosa, speaking during an gathering in the city, mentioned he was made aware of the unfolding crisis by the interior official.

In response, the head of state said "we must not turn them back", per domestic news.

"Even though they lack the appropriate identification and records, these are persons from a war-ravaged, a violence-plagued country," he added.

Administrative Action

The head of state also stated to reporters the South African government would carry out a "comprehensive assessment" of the matter and notify the public on "what is happening and the way this situation occurred where it is", as stated by government television.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber commented that while individuals with Palestinian documents met requirements for 90-day no-visa access to the nation, the lack of exit markings, round-trip fares or accommodation addresses in various of the travellers' papers led to the original denial to permit their entry to the nation.

Once it was confirmed that the lack of this details "did not indicate that the individuals intended to seek asylum" and their lodging was verified, they were allowed in.

"Every one of the passengers are in holding of legitimate passports and, currently, none of them have requested protection," he stated.

Support Response

Domestic aid group has stated it will supply the passengers with accommodation in the territory.

Non-governmental organizations in South Africa have requested inquiries into the situation the Palestinians had fled in Gaza and the exact route of the plane.

A single of the Palestinians who was interviewed by local media voiced his gratitude to be in the country, portraying it as a land of "peace, regulations and equity".

"We arrived from the Gaza Strip where we've faced mortality on daily basis. We have endured a hostilities of an extended period and we are fortunate to be here," remarked an individual who had escaped with his wife and two children.

Criticism and Demands for Action

The humanitarian organization has since requested Ramaphosa to look into the government agency and customs service for the "humiliation they've created" the Palestinian nationals.

The foundation's founder claimed this conduct involved being required to remain for hours on the airport area at the airport, being denied nourishment offered by the charity and "using every excuse in the book to stop these travelers from disembarking".

Traditional Support

South Africa has been sharply disapproving of the nation's defense actions in the Gaza Strip.

The nation's support for the Palestinian cause for an independent state dates back many years, particularly the beginning of the 1990s when national hero Nelson Mandela pledged backing for the Palestinian struggle.

Substantial supporting Palestine demonstrations have been organized around the country since the war began.

More limited in favor of Israeli policies rallies and rallies have been conducted in the state, which contains the biggest Jewish residents in the continent.

In the previous year, the national administration filed a lawsuit against Israel with the world court, alleging it of systematic destruction in the Gaza Strip. Israel has firmly denied the accusation, describing it "baseless".