Palestine thanks South Africa for accepting Gaza refugees without documents

Palestine has formally thanked South Africa for accepting more than 150 citizens from the Gaza Strip who arrived without complete documentation or standard exit stamps. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry issued appreciation Friday for South Africa's sovereign decision to grant 90-day visa exemptions to 153 Palestinians who landed from Kenya despite initial entry denials due to incomplete interviews and missing passport departure endorsements.

Human Trafficking Warnings

The ministry simultaneously issued strong warnings against organizations exploiting Palestinian displacement, cautioning that entities deceiving civilians or involvement in human trafficking would face legal consequences. Officials emphasized that human trafficking constitutes criminal activity under both international and national legal frameworks that will not be tolerated, urging families throughout Gaza to exercise extreme caution regarding unauthorized relocation schemes and unregistered entities operating amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Diplomatic Coordination Efforts

Palestine has directed its South African embassy to coordinate with local authorities addressing the situation created by the unexpected refugee arrival. The diplomatic initiative aims to manage repercussions while preserving Palestinian citizens' dignity and alleviating suffering following what the ministry described as "two years of Israeli genocide." The coordinated response seeks to provide appropriate support for displaced individuals while maintaining proper documentation and legal migration channels.

Broader International Context

South Africa has emerged as a prominent international supporter of Palestinian rights, having filed a case at the International Court of Justice in December 2023 accusing Israel of violating Genocide Convention obligations through its military operations in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in over 69,000 Palestinian fatalities and 170,700 injuries since October 2023 according to Gaza health authorities, creating one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the region's recent history.