Over 150 Palestinians were blocked for nearly 12 hours on a plane in Johannesburg. South African authorities initially refused their entry, citing the lack of exit stamps from Israel.

More than 150 Palestinians were blocked for nearly 12 hours on a plane at O.R. Tambo airport in Johannesburg, causing negative reactions from humanitarian organizations and public opinion. Among the passengers were families with children and a pregnant woman. South African authorities initially refused their entry, citing the lack of exit stamps from Israel and the necessary information about their stay.

After the intervention of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the organization Gift of the Givers, the passengers were allowed to disembark. Although 23 of them left for other countries, 130 remain in South Africa, many intending to apply for asylum. Pastor Nigel Branken criticized the treatment they received, emphasizing that their right to seek asylum should be respected. This is the second similar situation in two weeks, and many of the victims did not know the final destination of the charter flight.