Palestine Embassy Raises Alarm After Refugee Families Arrive in South Africa Without Proper Coordination

South Africans woke up to a story that has shaken both diplomatic circles and humanitarian networks. A group of 153 Palestinians fleeing the devastation in Gaza landed at OR Tambo International Airport, but their arrival came with confusion, incomplete paperwork and accusations of exploitation.

It was meant to be a journey toward safety. Instead, families found themselves caught in a tug of war between hope, bureaucracy and the alleged misuse of their desperation.

A Journey Marked By Uncertainty

The travellers moved from Gaza through Israel’s Ramon Airport, then via Nairobi, before touching down in Johannesburg. But when they arrived, officials at OR Tambo held them temporarily because their documents were not in order.

By the end of the day, government authorities granted 90 day entry visas to 130 of the travellers. The remainder continued to other destinations.

For many South Africans following the story online, it felt like a stark reminder of how complicated and fragile refugee journeys can be. Social media users expressed relief that the families were safe, while others questioned how such a large group managed to travel without proper coordination.

Embassy Accuses Unregistered Organisation Of Exploiting Families

The Palestine Embassy in Pretoria did not mince its words. It issued a warning urging Palestinians to avoid unauthorised groups promising escape routes out of Gaza.

According to the embassy, an unnamed unregistered organisation arranged the trip, and in doing so, “exploited the tragic humanitarian conditions” by collecting money from desperate families, facilitating the journey irregularly and abandoning them when complications surfaced.

The embassy emphasised that only official Palestinian institutions should be involved in arranging travel or evacuation routes. It also encouraged any Palestinians planning to travel to first contact the embassy in South Africa for guidance and verification.

Local Support Steps In

As the news spread, South African humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers offered to host the travellers during their stay. The group has a long history of assisting communities affected by war and displacement, and its involvement was widely applauded across social platforms.

Many users described the gesture as a reflection of South Africa’s longstanding solidarity with the Palestinian cause, noting how ordinary South Africans often step in where bureaucracy falls short.

DIRCO Yet To Break Its Silence

One key player in the saga has not yet spoken: DIRCO.

The embassy has formally stated that the alleged exploitation by an unregistered group requires investigation, and a request for comment has already been sent to the department.
South Africans following the story are waiting to hear whether the government will introduce tighter checks or new protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

For now, the embassy says it will continue working with authorities to support the affected families and ensure that proper processes are followed going forward.

{Source:The South African}

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