Archive · 20 Nov 2025
South Africa Probes 'Mystery Flight' of 153 Gazans
A group of 153 Palestinians from Gaza arrived in South Africa on a chartered flight, but they were held on the plane for 12 hours because their travel documents didn't have Israeli exit stamps.
South Africa is now trying to figure out how this happened, and Israel says the country approved their entry before they left.
The South African president called the situation 'mysterious'.
153 Palestinians from Gaza arrived in Johannesburg on a chartered flight
Passengers held on board for 12 hours due to missing Israeli exit stamps
South Africa investigating how the group entered the country
Israeli authorities claim South Africa approved entry before departure
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa calls the transfer 'mysterious'
- Who
- 153 Palestinians from Gaza, South African authorities, Israeli authorities
- What
- Arrival of Palestinians in South Africa on a chartered flight
- When
- This week
- Where
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Why
- To investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrival of the Palestinians
Israeli authorities
South African authorities
Approval of entry
Israeli authorities
Israel claims South Africa approved entry before departure
South African authorities
South Africa investigating how the group entered the country
- Number of passengers
- 153
- Duration of delay on arrival
- 12 hours
- Number admitted into South Africa
- 130
- Number boarded onward flights
- 23
- South Africa's position on Palestinian cause
- Supports the Palestinian cause