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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that an inquiry will be launched into the unexplained appearance of a private aircraft transporting 153 individuals from Palestine from Gaza into the territory.

Primary Entry Rejection

The passengers arrived at OR Tambo International Airport but were at first refused entry and were forced to stay in the plane for in excess of 10 hours as they "did not have the standard passport endorsements in their travel documents", government officials stated.

Most were eventually granted entry after intervention from a local charity and because of the government's "understanding [and] humanity", Ramaphosa said.

The particulars of their exit from Gaza and journey to the nation continue to be mysterious.

Political Setting

The nation has continued firm backing for the Palestinian cause during the war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.

Ramaphosa stated the group "in some way mysteriously were boarded a jet that traveled through Nairobi" and flew to the nation.

"The travelers exited the Gaza Strip after securing clearance from a foreign nation to receive them," declared an government agency that controls Gaza's crossings.

Diplomatic Declaration

Based on the Palestinian embassy in South Africa, the passengers exited Israel's Ramon Airport and journeyed to the country via the Kenyan capital, "without any advance notification or arrangement".

A declaration from the embassy stated "an unauthorized and misleading group [had] taken advantage of the devastating humanitarian conditions of our nationals in Gaza, deceived families, took payments from them, and facilitated their travel in an unorthodox and reckless fashion".

Latest Status

Of the 153 individuals, 23 were able to travel to different destinations, leaving 130 who were admitted into the country, government officials report.

Ramaphosa, talking during an event in the city, stated he was informed of the unfolding situation by the government representative.

In reaction, the president declared "we cannot send them away", per local media.

"Even though they lack the necessary identification and documents, these are individuals from a war-ravaged, a battle-scarred country," he continued.

Administrative Response

The head of state also told journalists the country's leadership would carry out a "proper review" of the issue and update the citizens on "what is happening and the manner in which this situation came to be in its current state", as stated by government television.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber said that while travelers from Palestine qualified for 90-day no-visa entry to the nation, the absence of exit markings, return tickets or residence details in some of the passengers' papers led to the original refusal to permit their entry to the nation.

After it was determined that the non-presence of this data "was not evidence that the individuals wished to seek protection" and their lodging was verified, they were permitted to enter.

"All of the individuals are in holding of legitimate passports and, currently, not one of them have applied for refuge," he confirmed.

Aid Response

Domestic aid group has stated it will provide the group with housing in the nation.

Non-governmental organizations in the nation have called for examinations into the circumstances the Palestinians had fled in the Gaza Strip and the exact path of the jet.

One of the Palestinians who was interviewed by domestic television expressed his relief to be in the country, describing it as a land of "tranquility, regulations and fairness".

"We came from the Gaza Strip where we've faced death on daily basis. We have survived a conflict of 24 months and we are fortunate to be here," said one man who had escaped with his partner and kids.

Complaints and Requests for Investigation

The humanitarian organization has afterwards called for Ramaphosa to examine the government agency and border authority for the "embarrassment they've created" the Palestinians.

The organization's leader stated this treatment involved being made to stay for hours on the tarmac at the airport, being denied meals supplied by the charity and "using various justifications in the guide to stop these individuals from exiting the aircraft".

Long-standing Backing

The country has been strongly opposed of Israel's defense actions in Gaza.

The country's solidarity for the Palestinian cause for an sovereign nation goes back decades, particularly the start of the last decade when national hero Nelson Mandela pledged assistance for the Palestinian cause.

Significant supporting Palestine protests have been held around the nation since the conflict commenced.

More limited supporting Israel demonstrations and gatherings have been organized in the nation, which has the largest Jewish community in the region.

In the previous year, the national administration lodged a legal action against the Israeli government with the world court, charging it of mass killing in Gaza. Israel has categorically refused the allegation, calling it "baseless".