South Africa’s foreign minister, Ronald Lamola, has criticized a recent flight that arrived in the country with over 150 Palestinians on board, suggesting it is part of a broader agenda to clear out Gaza and the West Bank. The flight, which landed in Johannesburg last week, has sparked controversy, with Lamola stating that the circumstances surrounding the arrival of the plane and its passengers are suspicious.
According to Lamola, the incident represents a “clearly orchestrated operation” aimed at removing Palestinians from their homeland. The minister’s comments imply that Israel may be behind the campaign, although he did not directly accuse the country. Israel’s government has previously expressed support for a plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, with US President Donald Trump having pledged to empty the region of its over 2 million Palestinian residents.
The charter plane, which arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport, was initially blocked from disembarking by immigration officials due to the passengers’ lack of proper documentation. The 153 Palestinian travelers, including families with children and a pregnant woman, were eventually granted entry after being held on the tarmac for 12 hours. The incident has been widely criticized by rights groups, with many accusing the South African authorities of mishandling the situation.
An investigation into the incident has been launched, with President Cyril Ramaphosa ordering intelligence services to look into who was behind the flight. Lamola has stated that South Africa does not want to receive any further flights, citing concerns that they may be part of a larger effort to “cleanse” Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.
South Africa has long been a supporter of Palestinian rights and a critic of Israel’s policies in the region. The country’s stance on the issue has been consistent, with Ramaphosa having previously spoken out against Israel’s actions in Gaza. The latest incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the investigation into the flight continues, concerns remain about the treatment of Palestinians and the potential for further attempts to relocate them from their homeland. The international community is watching the situation closely, with many calling for a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict.
