Sooliman urges SA to block further Gaza flights, calls refugee influx ‘forced removals’

South Africa has closed its airspace to flights carrying Palestinians trying to escape Gaza.

The news comes weeks after the arrival of 153 passengers from Gaza, now in the care of the Gift of the Givers.

That flight was part of 'a clear agenda to cleanse Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank', said Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola.

Meanwhile, Gift of the Givers says Israel is behind the uncoordinated entry of Palestinian refugees into South Africa through OR Tambo International Airport, calling it an example of forced removals and ethnic cleansing.

The organisation's Dr Imitiaz Sooliman wants to make it clear they are not encouraging flights to come here.

"We don't want them to leave their country; we want them all to go back. I encourage the government not to allow any more planes to come here."

Sooliman says South Africa must be part of calls to ensure Gaza is opened up and that those Palestinians who have left can return home.

To listen to Sooliman in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, watch below.