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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that a probe will be initiated into the puzzling appearance of a private aircraft transporting 153 Palestinian nationals from the Gaza Strip into the country.

First Entry Denial

The group touched down at OR Tambo International Airport but were at first refused entry and were stuck in the jet for in excess of 10 hours as they "were missing the customary exit markings in their identification papers", local authorities reported.

The majority were ultimately granted entry after intervention from a South African aid group and because of the government's "understanding [and] compassion", Ramaphosa stated.

The particulars of their exit from the Gaza Strip and flight to South Africa are still unknown.

Political Context

The country has upheld firm backing for the Palestinian cause during the war between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

Ramaphosa stated the passengers "in some way mysteriously were boarded a jet that passed by Nairobi" and traveled to the country.

"These individuals left the Gaza territory after obtaining authorization from a foreign nation to accept them," announced an defense organization that controls Gaza's border points.

Diplomatic Statement

Based on the official representation in the country, the passengers departed from Israel's Ramon Airport and flew to the state via the Nairobi, "lacking previous coordination or coordination".

A announcement from the official office claimed "an unregistered and false group [had] used the devastating humanitarian conditions of our people in Gaza, tricked individuals, collected money from them, and arranged their travel in an unorthodox and careless manner".

Present Circumstances

Of the 153 passengers, 23 succeeded to travel to alternative places, leaving 130 who were admitted into the nation, South African authorities report.

Ramaphosa, talking during an event in Johannesburg, stated he was notified of the ongoing situation by the home affairs minister.

In reaction, the leader declared "we are unable to send them away", according to local media.

"Although they do not have the required documents and documents, these are people from a strife-torn, a violence-plagued nation," he continued.

Administrative Measures

The leader also informed reporters the national administration would perform a "proper evaluation" of the situation and inform the people on "what is happening and the manner in which this situation occurred where it is", as stated by national media.

Government Representative Leon Schreiber said that while Palestinian passport-holders were eligible for 90-day visa-free admission to South Africa, the lack of departure stamps, return tickets or residence details in some of the passengers' papers led to the first rejection to permit their entry to the nation.

When it was determined that the absence of this details "did not suggest that the travellers intended to request asylum" and their accommodation was established, they were granted entry.

"Each of the individuals are in possession of legitimate travel documents and, currently, none of them have applied for refuge," he said.

Aid Efforts

Local humanitarian organization has said it will provide the passengers with accommodation in the country.

Civil societies in the country have demanded inquiries into the conditions the individuals had left in Gaza and the specific route of the aircraft.

One of the travelers who spoke to local media expressed his gratitude to be in the nation, describing it as a land of "harmony, laws and fairness".

"We arrived from the Gaza Strip where we've experienced danger on daily basis. We have lived through a war of 24 months and we are lucky to be here," said a male passenger who had escaped with his spouse and kids.

Criticism and Calls for Accountability

The aid foundation has subsequently called for Ramaphosa to investigate the interior department and customs service for the "disrespect they've created" the travelers.

The foundation's founder claimed this treatment included being made to wait for an extended period on the tarmac at the terminal, being denied meals provided by the organization and "utilizing every excuse in the book to prevent these passengers from disembarking".

Traditional Backing

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

The nation's solidarity for the Palestinian struggle for an sovereign nation goes back many years, notably the beginning of the 1990s when national hero Nelson Mandela committed assistance for the Palestinian cause.

Large supporting Palestine marches have been conducted around the country since the conflict started.

Less numerous pro-Israel demonstrations and gatherings have been held in the state, which contains the largest Jewish residents in the continent.

In the previous year, the South African government filed a legal action against Israel with the global judicial body, accusing it of mass killing in Gaza. The nation has strongly rejected the allegation, labeling it "unsubstantiated".