South Africa has closed its airspace to charter flights carrying Palestinians fleeing Gaza, after a series of recent arrivals raised alarm, reports Cape {town} Etc.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told The National the decision followed the unexpected arrival of a large group and what officials call suspicious travel arrangements.
He said the government is ‘suspicious … about the circumstances surrounding the arrival of the plane and the passengers that were in the plane.’
Earlier this month a chartered flight carrying around 153 Palestinians landed in Johannesburg after leaving via Kenya.
Many passengers lacked exit stamps, return tickets or clear accommodation plans and were held for several hours before being admitted on humanitarian grounds while authorities opened an investigation.
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According to Al Jazeera the Palestinian embassy in Pretoria has criticised the way the flights were organised, saying the travel was arranged by ‘an unregistered and misleading organisation that exploited the tragic humanitarian conditions of our people in Gaza.’
Local aid groups helped to provide temporary housing and welfare cheques for the arrivals.
The banning of evacuation flights has stirred debate. Government officials say they must protect border integrity and prevent possible exploitation.
Humanitarian agencies say people fleeing conflict need safe, legal pathways.
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