By Ireti Asemota.
Israeli authorities say the 153 Palestinians who landed in Johannesburg on Thursday had entry approval from an unnamed third country. COGAT, which handles Gaza exits, confirmed visas were verified before departure via Rafah.
The group was stuck on the tarmac for 12 hours due to missing Israeli exit stamps. South Africa allowed 130 to enter after NGO Gift of the Givers offered housing; 23 flew onward.
President Cyril Ramaphosa called it mysterious, saying they seemed “flushed out.” Israel insists it only facilitates—not initiates—such evacuations.
Over 40,000 Gazans have left via Israel since October 7, 2023, mostly for medical or family reasons.
#Gaza #SouthAfrica #Israel #HumanitarianExit
