The Palestine Solidarity Campaign has condemned South Africa’s decision to withdraw the 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian passport holders, arguing that it amounts to collective punishment and undermines the country’s long-stated solidarity with Palestine.

Government says the waiver was scrapped after evidence that charter flights were abusing the system as part of wider relocation schemes from Gaza. Activists counter that the move will trap Palestinians in conflict zones and shut off one of the few accessible routes for refuge and medical care.