Overview
- The Border Management Authority initially blocked disembarkation because passports lacked exit stamps and travellers could not provide a stay duration or local address, resulting in roughly 12 hours on the tarmac.
- Home Affairs later authorised entry under South Africa’s 90‑day visa‑exempt framework after verifying Gift of the Givers would provide accommodation and support.
- Twenty‑three of the 153 passengers transited to other destinations, while the remaining 130 were processed into the country and placed in NGO care subject to entry conditions.
- The charter operated by South Africa’s Global Airways arrived from Kenya, and reports indicate this was a second recent flight, with the organiser not yet identified.
- NGO leaders and passengers alleged Israeli authorities withheld passport stamps and coordinated removals from Gaza, claims reported by media but not independently verified.