By Suleman Chitera

South Africa has opened its arms to nearly 160 Palestinians who landed at OR Tambo International Airport after escaping ongoing conflict and instability in their homeland. The arrivals include children, parents, and pregnant women, all seeking safety, dignity, and peace far away from violence.

According to Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers, many of the refugees reached South Africa without proper passport stamps, an indication of their hurried and desperate evacuation from a war-affected environment.

Humanitarian groups have swiftly stepped in to support the new arrivals. They are providing medical treatment, food supplies, temporary accommodation, and guidance on the documentation process to help the refugees regularize their stay. The assistance is expected to ease their transition as they begin rebuilding their lives in a new country.

Dr. Sooliman described the situation as a crucial humanitarian moment, emphasizing the need for solidarity and compassion rather than political judgment.

South Africa’s response reflects its longstanding stance on global justice and human rights, with leaders and organisations showing commitment to offering refuge to vulnerable populations escaping violence.

For many of the Palestinians who touched down at OR Tambo, the journey marks not just physical relocation, but a renewed hope for safety, stability, and a fresh start.