In late 2025, South Africa became a focal point in the global narrative war over Gaza following UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese's visit and the controversial arrival of a planeload of Palestinians. These events highlighted deep divisions, with accusations of anti-Semitism clashing against calls for recognizing alleged genocide. Local organizations and international figures weighed in, amplifying the debate on human rights and historical parallels.
The narrative surrounding Gaza has permeated global discourse, but for South Africans, it crystallized through specific events in October and November 2025. Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, visited South Africa, where she delivered a report on 28 October stating that 'the ongoing genocide is a collective crime, sustained by the complicity of influential Third States.' Her appearance at the Nelson Mandela Foundation drew sharp criticism from the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) on 23 October, which accused the foundation of becoming 'a stage for anti-Semitism disguised as human rights advocacy' under chairperson Naledi Pandor.
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation responded on 24 October, noting the SAJBD's late opposition to apartheid and questioning its stance on 'a live-streamed genocide committed by the fascist state of Israel.' Meanwhile, an open letter from nearly 500 prominent Jewish figures, including Naomi Klein, urged sanctions on Israel, stating, 'We bow our heads in immeasurable sorrow as the evidence accumulates that Israel’s actions will be judged to have met the legal definition of genocide.'
Tensions peaked on 13 November when a planeload of Palestinians from Gaza waited on the tarmac at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, facing delays amid claims of missing exit stamps from Israel. Imtiaz Sooliman of Gift of the Givers provided aid, but pro-Israel voices decried it as ironic given South Africa's support for Palestinians. By 17 November, a BBC report indicated South Africa would refuse further charter flights over fears of a 'cleansing agenda.'
These developments echoed broader concerns, including a September 2025 UN commission finding that 'Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip' and an ICJ ruling on 22 October that Israel failed to prove UNRWA's ties to Hamas. The events underscored South Africa's role in advocating for Palestinian voices amid accusations of bias.