South Africa views arrival of 153 Palestinians to its territory as step to purge Gaza, West Bank

South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola expressed his country’s suspicion on Monday following the arrival of 153 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip on a plane last week, considering the move indicative of a “clear agenda to purge Gaza and the West Bank of Palestinians.”

The minister stated: “We as the South African government are suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the plane’s arrival,” according to the Palestinian “Shehab” agency.

He added: “We do not want any other flights to come to us because this is a clear agenda to purge Gaza and the West Bank and these areas of Palestinians, which South Africa opposes.”

He continued: “It indeed appears to represent a broader agenda to move Palestinians out of Palestine to various parts of the world, and this is clearly an organized process.”

South African border police kept the passengers on the plane for 12 hours before South African President Cyril Ramaphosa allowed their entry based on the 90-day visa exemption policy.

The organization “Gift the Givers” stated that a previous flight carrying 176 Palestinians had arrived on October 28, while reports mentioned that a little-known organization called “Al-Majd” played a role in the departure of both groups from Gaza.