According to the Home Affairs Department, many passengers arrived without return tickets, accommodation plans or verified departure records, and were told to bring only US dollars and personal essentials. Some were reportedly prevented from carrying luggage. Schreiber said this amounted not only to “systematic abuse” of visa rules but also exploitation of the travellers.

President Cyril Ramaphosa had earlier suggested the passengers had been “flushed out of Gaza ,” and intelligence agencies later confirmed that more charter flights were being planned. A Dubai-based broker had requested bulk quotes for additional flights, prompting the government to intervene.

Schreiber said South Africa “will not be complicit in any scheme to exploit or displace Palestinians,” adding that the visa requirement is meant to stop irregular relocation attempts while still allowing genuine travellers to apply normally.

The Palestinians who recently arrived will still have their cases processed. Those seeking asylum may apply, while those travelling under the old 90-day exemption will retain their status until their permitted stay ends.

Humanitarian group Gift of the Givers has provided temporary support for the travellers, many of whom declined to apply for asylum.

South Africa’s new visa rules take immediate effect, with authorities warning that any future attempts to misuse the system will be rejected.

According to Middle East Eye , the bill would enable Israeli courts to impose capital punishment on Palestinians convicted of murder, especially when the motive is deemed “nationalistic” or “ideological.”

However, it would not apply to Israeli citizens, including settlers, who kill Palestinians under similar circumstances. The proposal, championed by Limor Son Har-Melech of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party and backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has ignited fierce debate about discrimination, legality, and timing amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Legal experts and government officials have already raised red flags. The committee’s legal adviser reportedly warned that the vote may be invalid because it was held during the Knesset’s recess and without consultation with key security bodies.

Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coordinator for hostages, cautioned that pressing ahead with the bill could endanger Israeli captives still held in Gaza.

Opposition lawmakers described the measure as “ an act of unprecedented savagery ,” arguing it risks institutionalising a two-tier justice system, one that applies capital punishment only to Palestinians.

Israel formally abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1954. Since then, it has been reserved only for extreme cases such as genocide or treason, with the country’s sole execution being that of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in 1962.

Although several attempts have been made in recent decades to revive capital punishment for terrorism, none have become law.