A plane carrying more than 100 Palestinian refugees arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday, but officials delayed its clearance after passengers were found without Israeli exit stamps. Gift of the Givers Foundation said the refugees remained on board for several hours as immigration authorities followed legal procedures.
Founder Imtiaz Sooliman said Israel refused to stamp their passports, complicating their journey and deepening their hardship far from home. He said the South African Border Management Authority could not legally allow passengers to disembark without proper documentation.
Sooliman accused Israeli officials of withholding the stamps to intensify the suffering of Palestinians fleeing the war in Gaza. He thanked Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola and Director General Zane Dangor for intervening on behalf of the stranded group.
Lamola reportedly wrote to the Home Affairs Ministry requesting an exemption to permit the refugees’ entry without the required stamp. This is the second arrival of Palestinians seeking refuge in South Africa since the conflict escalated in Gaza.
A previous flight landed late last month carrying 176 refugees escaping what many describe as a humanitarian catastrophe. Gift of the Givers said local families had informed them that relatives were expected on a second flight out of the besieged territory.
Government officials have yet to comment publicly on the incident or provide clarity on the delay in processing the passengers. Authorities are expected to issue a statement or hold a briefing later Thursday to address the situation and outline next steps.