No more charter flights bringing Palestinians

SOUTH AFRICA will no longer permit charter flights carrying Palestinians into the country, following the recent arrival of planes transporting families from Gaza, said Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.

- NTOMBIZODWA DLAMINI

Last Thursday, a group of 153 Palestinians landed in the country on a chartered flight from Kenya. They were initially denied entry at OR Tambo International Airport due to missing documentation, including exit stamps from Israel, return tickets, and accommodation details.

After spending nearly 12 hours at the airport, they were eventually admitted under South Africa's 90-day visa exemption on humanitarian grounds, following intervention by local aid organisations.

Giving an update in Johannesburg, Lamola confirmed that a government investigation is underway.