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The nation's leader Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that an inquiry will be launched into the puzzling appearance of a private aircraft transporting 153 Palestinian nationals from Gaza into the territory.

Initial Admission Denial

The passengers touched down at OR Tambo International Airport but were originally blocked from entering and remained in the aircraft for over 10 hours as they "lacked the standard departure stamps in their travel documents", airport representatives stated.

Most were ultimately allowed in after intervention from a domestic humanitarian organization and because of the government's "compassion [and] compassion", Ramaphosa said.

The details of their departure from Gaza and journey to South Africa remain unclear.

Political Context

South Africa has maintained strong support for the Palestinian struggle during the war between the Hamas organization and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

Ramaphosa commented the passengers "in some way puzzlingly were put on a jet that traveled through Nairobi" and flew to the country.

"These individuals left the Gaza Strip after securing clearance from a another state to receive them," declared an Israeli military body that controls Gaza's crossings.

Official Statement

Based on the diplomatic mission in South Africa, the passengers left a facility in Israel and flew to the state via the Kenyan capital, "without any previous coordination or arrangement".

A announcement from the embassy stated "a non-official and misleading group [had] exploited the difficult living situation of our people in the Gaza Strip, deceived families, took payments from them, and facilitated their movement in an improper and irresponsible fashion".

Latest Situation

From the 153 travelers, 23 succeeded to fly on to other places, resulting in 130 who were admitted into the country, national representatives confirm.

Ramaphosa, talking during an function in the urban center, stated he was informed of the unfolding situation by the government representative.

In reaction, the leader stated "we are unable to turn them back", according to domestic news.

"While they are without the required identification and records, these are persons from a conflict-ridden, a battle-scarred nation," he remarked.

Government Action

The head of state also informed reporters the national administration would carry out a "proper evaluation" of the issue and update the public on "ongoing events and how this situation developed in its current state", per government television.

Interior Official Leon Schreiber stated that while individuals with Palestinian documents met requirements for 90-day visa-free access to the country, the lack of exit markings, round-trip fares or housing locations in some of the passengers' records led to the initial refusal to permit their entry to the country.

Once it was confirmed that the lack of this information "did not indicate that the individuals wanted to seek refugee status" and their lodging was established, they were permitted to enter.

"All of the passengers are in holding of legitimate passports and, currently, none of them have sought refuge," he stated.

Humanitarian Assistance

Domestic aid group has announced it will supply the passengers with lodging in the nation.

Non-governmental organizations in the nation have demanded investigations into the circumstances the Palestinian nationals had fled in Gaza and the exact route of the aircraft.

A single of the travelers who spoke to domestic television expressed his relief to be in South Africa, describing it as a country of "harmony, rules and fairness".

"We traveled from the Gaza Strip where we've experienced mortality on every day. We have endured a conflict of an extended period and we are blessed to be here," said a male passenger who had escaped with his spouse and offspring.

Complaints and Calls for Action

The aid foundation has since called for Ramaphosa to examine the interior department and customs service for the "embarrassment they've created" the Palestinian nationals.

The foundation's founder said this treatment involved being made to remain for hours on the tarmac at the terminal, being prevented from receiving nourishment provided by the group and "employing all possible reasons in the guide to prevent these travelers from leaving the plane".

Long-standing Support

The nation has been highly critical of Israel's armed campaign in the Gaza Strip.

The state's sympathy for the Palestinian fight for an self-governing country extends decades, particularly the early 1990s when historical figure Nelson Mandela pledged backing for the Palestinian cause.

Substantial in favor of Palestinian rights protests have been organized throughout the country since the conflict commenced.

Less numerous pro-Israel demonstrations and gatherings have been held in the country, which contains the biggest Jewish population in the region.

In last year, the national administration submitted a lawsuit against the Israeli government with the global judicial body, alleging it of genocide in Gaza. The Israeli government has strongly rejected the allegation, labeling it "without foundation".