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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that a probe will be conducted into the mysterious arrival of a private aircraft bringing 153 individuals from Palestine from Gaza into the nation.

First Access Denial

The travelers touched down at OR Tambo International Airport but were at first denied admission and were stuck in the aircraft for more than 10 hours as they "lacked the standard departure stamps in their passports", government officials confirmed.

Most were eventually allowed in after assistance from a domestic humanitarian organization and because of the leadership's "understanding [and] sympathy", Ramaphosa said.

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

International Background

The nation has maintained strong support for the Palestinian rights throughout the conflict between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip.

Ramaphosa commented the travelers "through unknown means unexplainably were put on a aircraft that stopped in Nairobi" and traveled to South Africa.

"The residents exited the Gaza territory after receiving clearance from a foreign nation to receive them," announced an Israeli military body that controls Gaza's entry-exit locations.

Embassy Statement

According to the Palestinian embassy in the nation, the passengers departed from an Israeli airport and flew to the nation via the Nairobi, "lacking advance notification or coordination".

A announcement from the diplomatic mission stated "an unregistered and deceptive group [had] taken advantage of the devastating circumstances of our nationals in the Gaza Strip, deceived individuals, received funds from them, and arranged their travel in an unorthodox and reckless way".

Present Circumstances

Among the 153 travelers, 23 were able to fly on to alternative destinations, with 130 who were allowed into the territory, national representatives report.

Ramaphosa, addressing during an gathering in the city, said he was made aware of the developing crisis by the home affairs minister.

In response, the head of state stated "we must not refuse them", per South African reporting.

"While they are without the necessary papers and documents, these are individuals from a conflict-ridden, a battle-scarred nation," he continued.

Official Measures

The leader also stated to journalists the South African government would carry out a "thorough assessment" of the matter and inform the public on "ongoing events and the way this situation developed in its current state", according to public broadcaster.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber commented that while individuals with Palestinian documents met requirements for 90-day visa-free entry to the country, the non-existence of passport endorsements, return tickets or housing locations in some of the travellers' papers resulted in the original refusal to let them into the country.

Once it was established that the non-presence of this data "did not suggest that the passengers wished to seek protection" and their accommodation was verified, they were granted entry.

"Each of the travellers are in holding of legitimate travel documents and, now, not one of them have applied for protection," he confirmed.

Support Efforts

South African charity has said it will supply the passengers with lodging in the nation.

Community groups in South Africa have demanded inquiries into the conditions the individuals had escaped in the Gaza Strip and the precise route of the aircraft.

An individual of the travelers who spoke to domestic television voiced his relief to be in the country, portraying it as a land of "tranquility, laws and justice".

"We arrived from Gaza where we've faced danger on daily basis. We have lived through a hostilities of two years and we are blessed to be here," said an individual who had escaped with his wife and offspring.

Criticism and Requests for Investigation

The aid foundation has subsequently called for Ramaphosa to look into the government agency and customs service for the "disrespect they've caused" the Palestinians.

The group's director stated this handling involved being required to stay for a long time on the airport area at the facility, being denied nourishment offered by the organization and "using all possible reasons in the manual to block these passengers from exiting the aircraft".

Historical Backing

The nation has been strongly opposed of the Israeli armed campaign in the Gaza Strip.

The nation's solidarity for the Palestinian fight for an self-governing country dates back many years, particularly the start of the last decade when national hero Nelson Mandela pledged assistance for the Palestinian rights.

Significant pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been organized around the country since the hostilities started.

Smaller supporting Israel demonstrations and gatherings have been held in the state, which contains the biggest Jewish community in sub-Saharan Africa.

In the previous year, the country's leadership submitted a legal action against the nation with the global judicial body, alleging it of systematic destruction in the Gaza Strip. Israel has strongly rejected the accusation, labeling it "unsubstantiated".