153 Palestinians from Gaza enter South Africa after airport detention

A group of 153 Palestinians fleeing Gaza arrived unexpectedly at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport on Thursday aboard a chartered flight from Kenya, prompting a 12-hour detention on the tarmac before South African authorities allowed most of them to enter the country.

The passengers, who had departed Gaza earlier in the week through the Kerem Shalom crossing and flown from Israel's Ramon Airport via Nairobi, lacked Israeli exit stamps in their passports, return tickets and details on local accommodations. Border Management Authority officials initially denied entry after the group failed standard immigration checks and none expressed intent to seek asylum at the time. Conditions aboard the aircraft deteriorated during the wait, with reports of extreme heat, crying children and exhaustion after a journey exceeding 24 hours. Among the travelers was a woman nine months pregnant.

South African officials eventually authorized the group's release late Thursday evening after the humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers pledged to provide temporary accommodation and support. Of the 153 arrivals, 130 were granted a 90-day visa exemption and entered the country, while 23...