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The nation's leader Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that an inquiry will be initiated into the unexplained landing of a private aircraft bringing 153 Palestinians from Gaza into the nation.

Initial Entry Denial

The travelers landed at OR Tambo International Airport but were initially blocked from entering and were forced to stay in the jet for over 10 hours as they "lacked the customary departure stamps in their identification papers", airport representatives stated.

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

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

Diplomatic Background

The country has maintained strong support for the Palestinian rights throughout the hostilities between the Hamas organization and the Israeli government in Gaza.

Ramaphosa stated the travelers "in some way mysteriously were placed aboard a jet that stopped in Nairobi" and traveled to the country.

"The travelers left the Gaza Strip after obtaining clearance from a another state to receive them," stated an government agency that controls Gaza's crossings.

Embassy Declaration

Per the official representation in the country, the group left an Israeli airport and traveled to the nation via the Kenyan capital, "lacking advance notification or coordination".

A statement from the embassy said "a non-official and deceptive group [had] used the devastating circumstances of our nationals in the Gaza Strip, misled families, took payments from them, and organized their journey in an unorthodox and careless fashion".

Current Circumstances

From the 153 travelers, 23 were able to fly on to alternative places, with 130 who were allowed into the territory, government officials say.

Ramaphosa, addressing during an event in the city, mentioned he was notified of the unfolding issue by the government representative.

In response, the president stated "we are unable to refuse them", as reported by local media.

"Even though they lack the necessary papers and records, these are individuals from a war-ravaged, a war-torn land," he remarked.

Government Measures

The president also told journalists the South African government would perform a "thorough review" of the issue and inform the public on "ongoing events and the way this situation developed in its current state", as stated by national media.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber stated that while Palestinian passport-holders were eligible for 90-day visa-free access to South Africa, the lack of exit markings, homeward journeys or accommodation addresses in various of the passengers' records caused the initial refusal to let them into the country.

After it was confirmed that the absence of this data "did not indicate that the travellers intended to seek asylum" and their housing was confirmed, they were allowed in.

"All of the individuals are in holding of current travel documents and, currently, not one of them have applied for asylum," he stated.

Aid Assistance

Domestic aid group has stated it will offer the group with accommodation in the country.

Non-governmental organizations in the nation have requested investigations into the situation the individuals had escaped in the Gaza Strip and the exact path of the plane.

A single of the travelers who communicated with South African news shared his gratitude to be in South Africa, describing it as a country of "peace, laws and equity".

"We came from Gaza where we've encountered danger on daily basis. We have endured a war of an extended period and we are fortunate to be here," said an individual who had departed with his spouse and two children.

Complaints and Requests for Investigation

The humanitarian organization has afterwards called for Ramaphosa to investigate the government agency and border authority for the "humiliation they've created" the Palestinians.

The organization's founder claimed this treatment consisted of being required to stay for a long time on the tarmac at the airport, being refused food provided by the charity and "using every excuse in the guide to stop these individuals from leaving the plane".

Long-standing Advocacy

The nation has been strongly opposed of Israel's defense actions in the Gaza Strip.

The country's sympathy for the Palestinian struggle for an self-governing country dates back many years, notably the early 1990s when anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela pledged support for the Palestinian struggle.

Significant in favor of Palestinian rights protests have been held across the nation since the conflict started.

Less numerous supporting Israel rallies and events have been conducted in the country, which hosts the most significant Jewish population in the continent.

In the previous year, the South African government submitted a lawsuit against the nation with the International Court of Justice, alleging it of mass killing in Gaza. The Israeli government has categorically refused the accusation, calling it "without foundation".