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The nation's leader Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that an inquiry will be launched into the puzzling landing of a private aircraft bringing 153 individuals from Palestine from Gaza into the nation.

Primary Admission Denial

The travelers touched down at OR Tambo International Airport but were initially refused entry and were stuck in the plane for more than 10 hours as they "lacked the customary exit markings in their passports", government officials confirmed.

The majority were finally permitted to enter after support from a local charity and because of the leadership's "understanding [and] compassion", Ramaphosa remarked.

The circumstances of their departure from the Gaza Strip and travel to the nation remain unclear.

International Context

The nation has maintained consistent advocacy for the Palestinian cause throughout the hostilities between Hamas and the Israeli government in Gaza.

Ramaphosa stated the group "somehow unexplainably were put on a aircraft that traveled through Nairobi" and traveled to the nation.

"These individuals departed from the Gaza Strip after obtaining approval from a another state to welcome them," declared an defense organization that manages Gaza's entry-exit locations.

Embassy Comment

Per the diplomatic mission in the country, the travelers left a facility in Israel and flew to the nation via the Kenya's main city, "absent prior note or coordination".

A announcement from the official office claimed "an unregistered and false organization [had] exploited the tragic living situation of our citizens in the Gaza Strip, tricked households, received funds from them, and arranged their travel in an irregular and careless manner".

Present Status

Of the 153 travelers, 23 succeeded to travel to different destinations, leaving 130 who were allowed into the country, government officials say.

Ramaphosa, addressing during an event in Johannesburg, said he was notified of the ongoing issue by the interior official.

In reply, the president declared "we must not refuse them", as reported by local media.

"While they do not have the required documents and papers, these are persons from a strife-torn, a war-torn land," he continued.

Official Action

The leader also told journalists the country's leadership would carry out a "thorough assessment" of the situation and update the public on "current developments and the way this situation occurred in its current state", per national media.

Government Representative Leon Schreiber stated that while individuals with Palestinian documents met requirements for 90-day visa-exempt entry to the nation, the absence of departure stamps, round-trip fares or accommodation addresses in certain of the travellers' records resulted in the original rejection to let them into the territory.

After it was determined that the lack of this data "did not suggest that the travellers wanted to seek asylum" and their lodging was confirmed, they were allowed in.

"Each of the travellers are in possession of current travel documents and, at present, not one of them have applied for refuge," he stated.

Aid Efforts

South African charity has announced it will provide the passengers with housing in the country.

Non-governmental organizations in the country have called for inquiries into the situation the Palestinians had fled in Gaza and the exact path of the plane.

An individual of the Palestinians who spoke to South African news voiced his thankfulness to be in the country, characterizing it as a nation of "peace, rules and justice".

"We came from the Gaza Strip where we've faced danger on daily basis. We have endured a conflict of an extended period and we are lucky to be here," said one man who had fled with his spouse and kids.

Complaints and Demands for Action

The charity group has since requested Ramaphosa to investigate the government agency and border authority for the "disrespect they've caused" the Palestinians.

The group's leader stated this conduct consisted of being forced to wait for a long time on the tarmac at the terminal, being prevented from receiving food offered by the charity and "using various justifications in the guide to prevent these individuals from disembarking".

Long-standing Advocacy

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

The country's sympathy for the Palestinian struggle for an sovereign nation dates back many years, especially the start of the last decade when historical figure Nelson Mandela pledged support for the Palestinian struggle.

Substantial in favor of Palestinian rights protests have been organized around the nation since the war started.

Smaller in favor of Israeli policies rallies and events have been held in the state, which has the most significant Jewish community in the continent.

In last year, the South African government submitted a lawsuit against Israel with the International Court of Justice, charging it of mass killing in the Gaza Strip. The nation has categorically refused the South African claim, describing it "baseless".