South Africa Investigates Transfer of 156 Palestinians Through Kenya Amid Israel Dispute

South Africa Investigates Transfer of 156 Palestinians Through Kenya Amid Israel Dispute

South Africa has launched an investigation into the arrival of 156 Palestinians at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, after a plane carrying the group reportedly flew through Nairobi before landing on Thursday. The incident has sparked a diplomatic dispute involving South Africa, Israel, and Kenya, with questions raised about how the refugees were transported and who authorised their travel.

President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed on Friday that his administration, through the intelligence services and the Department of Home Affairs, was probing the matter. He insisted that South Africa had not cleared the Palestinians to enter the country.

“These are people from Gaza who somehow mysteriously were put on a plane that passed by Nairobi (Kenya’s capital) and came here,” Ramaphosa told reporters.

The President described the arrival of the group as “mysterious,” noting that many of the refugees lacked proper documentation.

Ten-Hour Delay on Runway

Upon landing, the passengers were held on the runway for nearly 10 hours as officials from the Border Management Authority (BMA) conducted checks. Authorities reported that several travellers did not have departure stamps in their passports, while others lacked return tickets or proof of accommodation in South Africa.

“During the process, BMA officials noticed the absence of departure stamps in some of their passports, as well as the fact that a number of travellers did not appear to have return tickets or addresses for their accommodation in South Africa,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a written statement.

The delay triggered outrage among activists and human rights groups, who accused authorities of mishandling the situation. Eventually, the refugees were granted a 90‑day visa exemption after a local NGO agreed to provide accommodation. By that time, 23 of the passengers had already boarded flights to other destinations, leaving 130 at the airport.

Israel’s Role Questioned

Responsibility for the uncoordinated travel arrangements has largely been directed at Cogat, the Israeli military body that administers Gaza. Refugees and NGO officials claimed Israel organised their departure but did not inform them of their final destination.

Despite Ramaphosa’s insistence that South Africa was unaware of the plan, Israeli officials maintain that approval had been granted.

Cogat told the BBC that it had received clearance from a third country to facilitate the refugees’ travel. Later, an official confirmed to France24 that the third country was South Africa.

“The residents left the Gaza Strip after Cogat received approval from a third country to receive them,” Cogat said in a statement.

Kenya’s Position Unclear

Kenya’s involvement in the transfer remains uncertain. While the plane reportedly passed through Nairobi, it is not clear whether the country played any role beyond refuelling. The Kenyan government has yet to issue a formal statement, despite mounting public interest in its role in the incident.

Second Arrival in Two Months

This marks the second time in two months that Palestinians fleeing Gaza have arrived in South Africa. In October, another plane carrying 176 refugees landed at OR Tambo International Airport under similar circumstances.

Conclusion

The arrival of the 156 Palestinians has placed South Africa at the centre of a diplomatic dispute with Israel, while also drawing Kenya into the controversy. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the complexities of refugee movements from Gaza and the political sensitivities surrounding their resettlement.

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South Africa Investigates Transfer of 156 Palestinians Through Kenya Amid Israel Dispute