Over 170 Palestinian refugees landed safely at O.R. Tambo International Airport on Thursday morning, marking a significant humanitarian moment for South Africa and the city of Johannesburg.
The refugees, who fled ongoing conflict in Gaza, were received by officials from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Department of Home Affairs, alongside members of humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers.
In a statement, Gift of the Givers commended Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola and DIRCO Director-General Zane Dangor for their swift intervention to allow the flight’s passengers to enter the country. The group had faced a bureaucratic hurdle after Israeli authorities allegedly refused to stamp their passports before departure — a move that could have prevented them from disembarking upon arrival in South Africa.
“Minister Lamola took the initiative to write to the Ministry of Home Affairs to waive this requirement. This is in keeping with South Africa’s policy of standing with the Palestinian people,” said the organisation.
The new arrivals will receive humanitarian assistance, food, and temporary accommodation from Gift of the Givers and local partners. Several of the refugees are expected to settle temporarily in Johannesburg and nearby cities while their asylum processes are finalised.
Johannesburg residents have also expressed solidarity online, with many praising the city for becoming the landing point of hope for those escaping war-torn regions.
Gift of the Givers added that South Africa’s consistent advocacy for Palestinian rights — including its recent case against Israel at the International Court of Justice — has reaffirmed its role as a voice for global justice.
“This is yet another moment where South Africa, and Joburg in particular, shows that Ubuntu extends beyond borders,” the organisation said.
The Border Management Authority confirmed that the refugees’ entry was processed under special humanitarian provisions and that all arrivals would undergo routine screening and documentation.
As Johannesburg prepares to host the upcoming G20 Summit, the arrival of Palestinian refugees at its international airport serves as a reminder of the city’s growing importance not only as an African economic hub but also as a gateway for humanitarian relief and international solidarity.