Israeli authorities stated that 153 Palestinians who arrived unexpectedly in South Africa had been permitted to leave Gaza after a third country approved their entry. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, the group was held on their plane for 12 hours due to missing Israeli departure stamps, but was eventually allowed to disembark after an aid organization intervened. The identity of the country that approved their entry remains undisclosed, and questions have arisen in South Africa about the circumstances of their arrival. Israeli officials emphasized that departures from Gaza are only facilitated following requests from foreign countries, and that tens of thousands have left since the conflict began in October 2023.