A group of Palestinian refugees were stuck on a plane on the runway at the OR Tambo Airport for hours on 13 November 2025. Image: EWN
(The Post News)– For nearly 12 hours, 153 Palestinian refugees were held at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. They landed on Thursday, 13 November 2025. The flight was chartered from Kenya. Upon arrival, immigration officials conducted interviews and reviewed documentation.
Authorities noted that the group did not have departure stamps in their passports. They could not give clear details about their intended stay. Their accommodation arrangements in South Africa were also unclear. As a result, the Border Management Authority (BMA) initially denied entry.
Deputy Commissioner Mmemme Mogotsi explained that the decision was based on immigration requirements.
Humanitarian Intervention
Later that day, the Ministry of Home Affairs approved entry for 130 of the refugees. The remaining 23 individuals were transferred to other destinations.
Humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers intervened. They provided accommodation and support for the group during their stay in South Africa. The organization confirmed that it had arranged housing and pledged to help with food and medical needs.
Officials stated that the refugees were admitted under humanitarian grounds, with their stay to be monitored by relevant government agencies.
Immigration authorities also indicated that the possibility of asylum applications could be reviewed in the coming weeks.
The BMA emphasized that immigration protocols must be followed. But humanitarian considerations were also taken into account in reaching the final decision.
Next Steps
The refugees are now being housed with assistance from Gift of the Givers. Meanwhile, government departments continue to process their information. Authorities confirmed that investigations into the group’s travel documentation and entry procedures are ongoing.
The Ministry of Home Affairs said further details will be provided once assessments are finished.
Latest on the Israel-Palestine Conflict
The refugee arrival comes against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Palestine war.
According to reports, Israeli forces carried out air strikes in northern Gaza this week. This included attacks on Beit Lahiya, and they shot a Palestinian who approached the “yellow line” near Israeli troop positions.
Since the war began in October 2023, at least 69,182 Palestinians have been killed and 170,694 wounded. Meanwhile, 1,139 Israelis were killed during the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023.
Although a ceasefire was declared one month ago, violations have been frequent. Data shows Israel has violated the agreement at least 282 times between October 10 and November 10, 2025, through air strikes, artillery fire, and raids. These violations have killed 242 Palestinians and injured 622 during that period.
Humanitarian aid continues to enter Gaza through the Zikim crossing, but restrictions remain tight. Meanwhile, Palestinian groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, have agreed to hand over the remains of Israeli captives as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal.
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