Suspicious offices provide travel visas to Palestinians under Israel’s supervision – Middle East Monitor

Palestinian activists have revealed attempts by the occupation to displace Palestinians through fake offices that issue travel visas to several countries, including South Africa, according to Arabi21.

Videos show nearly 100 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, including families and children, stranded at Johannesburg airport after authorities refused to allow them to disembark.

Activists said the passengers left Ramon Airport near Eilat on Wednesday on a long and complicated journey, but remained stuck on the plane for more than nine hours.

Footage shared by the passengers showed difficult conditions inside the plane, with travellers exhausted after more than 24 hours of travel since leaving Gaza.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the group left Gaza early Wednesday morning, passed through Karem Abu Salem crossing under Israeli inspection, and were then transported by bus to Ramon Airport.

From there, they boarded a chartered flight to Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, before transferring to a second plane that landed in Johannesburg in the morning. Upon arrival, they faced security and logistical obstacles that prevented them from disembarking, according to the report.

Sources indicate that up to 180 Palestinians may be on board the plane. Attempts by South African journalists to contact authorities and secure entry visas have so far failed, and the passengers may have to travel to another destination if the situation continues.

The Palestinian embassy in South Africa said it had intervened to address the humanitarian situation for 153 Palestinian citizens arriving from Gaza via Ramon Airport through Nairobi, noting that the arrival was not previously coordinated or notified.

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