Overview
- A chartered flight carrying 153 Palestinians landed on November 13, with passengers kept on board for about 12 hours before 130 were admitted and 23 continued to other destinations.
- Border officers initially denied entry over missing departure stamps and a lack of stay details, then cleared the group after Gift of the Givers committed to host them under South Africa’s visa‑exempt rules.
- Home Affairs said all travellers had valid passports and none applied for asylum during processing, with the NGO now coordinating care for those admitted.
- The government has launched investigations into who organised and authorised the journey after the Palestinian embassy alleged an unregistered group exploited families; reports being reviewed describe transfers via Ramon Airport and Kerem Shalom and name Al‑Majd as involved.
- Allegations that Israel deliberately withheld passport stamps are disputed, with Gift of the Givers making the claim and the South African Zionist Federation countering that Israel issues electronic entry and exit slips instead of physical stamps.