Lamola suspects ‘shady work’ in the arrival of 153 Palestinians. Image: News24.
(The Post News)- International relations and co-operation minister Ronald Lamola has voiced concern. 153 Palestinians arrived in South Africa last week. He said the incident raises “suspicion.” It is part of a broader plan to remove Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.
According to reports, chartered flight carrying the group landed at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday. Families, including women and children, were on board. The sudden arrival caused immediate concern. All passengers were admitted on 90 day humanitarian visas.
Lamola held a media briefing
On Monday, 17 November 2025 Lamola said the circumstances appeared unusual. “We are suspicious as the South African government. We have concerns about the circumstances surrounding the arrival of the airplane. This includes the passengers in the plane,” he said.
He warned that the situation involves “shady work”. He said investigators were now examining the incident.
“This matter is the topic of an investigation. It must be thoroughly concluded. The South African public will know the results later.”
Lamola added that the incident is part of a larger pattern. “It is an issue of concern to us. It does look like it shows a broader agenda. The agenda is to remove Palestinians from Palestine into many different parts of the world,” he said.
He stated that similar flights had reportedly landed in other countries. He described the movements as “a clearly orchestrated operation.”
Lamola stated that the investigation must prevent any repeat of the incident. “It’s a matter that is being investigated. We do not want any further flights to come our way. This is a clear agenda to cleanse out the Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank. South Africa is against this,” he said.
Palestinian Embassy Released a Statement
On Friday, the Palestinian embassy issued its own statement. It said the trip was arranged by “an unregistered organisation” that took advantage of desperate families. The embassy said the group collected money and facilitated travel “in an irregular and irresponsible manner”.
Report indicated that parliament has also reacted. The portfolio committee on international relations and co-operation expressed concern about the unannounced flight. It wants a full investigation.
Committee chairperson Supra Mahumapelo said the embassy’s statement pointed to a “nefarious purpose”.
“We are more worried than ever before. The Palestinian embassy statement clarifies a nefarious purpose. This purpose is central to the effort to bring Palestinian refugees to South Africa. It aims to circumvent international laws,” he said.
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