Over 150 Palestinians Detained for 12 Hours at South African Airport Due to Documentation Issues

Nov 14, 2025 05:51 pm CST

South African authorities faced criticism after detaining over 150 Palestinians, including families and a pregnant woman, for 12 hours due to travel documentation issues. The passengers, believed to be from Gaza, arrived on a charter flight at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport without proper exit stamps and accommodation details. They were eventually allowed to disembark after government intervention and assistance from the NGO Gift of the Givers, with many now seeking asylum in South Africa.