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Hundreds of demonstrators have forcefully entered an airport in Russia, allegedly in pursuit of a flight that was coming from Israel.
On Sunday evening, a significant amount of people gathered at Makhachkala airport’s landing field and runway. Social media videos revealed that some of the protesters were young men holding Palestinian flags.
The video also revealed individuals in the group attempting to flip over a police vehicle. The Associated Press stated that there were also instances of anti-Semitic chants being yelled and members of the crowd inspecting the passports of incoming passengers.
A large group of people forcibly entered an airport in the Russian region of Dagestan to demonstrate against the arrival of a plane from Israel.
Russian news outlets displayed footage of a group trying to approach a plane on the runway, but the passengers stayed securely inside. According to the FlightRadar24 website, the plane’s tail number indicated it originated from Israel.
The airport in Dagestan, a region in the north Caucasus with a significant Muslim population, was shut down and flights were redirected due to the event.
The Russian aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, stated that the demonstrators were dispersed by 10:20pm local time (7:20pm GMT). However, the airport will remain shut until the situation is normalized.
The local health officials reported that approximately 20 individuals were harmed, with two in critical condition, during the occurrence. The Investigative Committee of Russia has launched a criminal investigation into the matter.
Posts on the social media app Telegram claimed that refugees from Israel would be arriving on Sunday evening on flights from Tel Aviv, as reported by The Guardian.
Ovadya Isakov, a government representative for the local Jewish community, has expressed concern over the challenging conditions in Dagestan. He reports receiving numerous calls from fearful community members, but is unsure of how to offer advice. This information was shared with Podyom news outlet.
Israeli officials called on Russian authorities to provide security for Israeli citizens and Jewish individuals living in their territories after receiving reports of potential threats.
Officials from Russia stated that they had ejected the team from the airport.
The Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem released a statement stating that the Israeli ambassador in Moscow is collaborating with Russian officials. The statement expressed concern over any efforts to harm Israeli citizens and Jews worldwide.
The office of Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that they anticipate Russia’s law enforcement to ensure the safety of all Israeli citizens and Jews, regardless of their location, and to take strong action against those causing unrest and promoting hatred towards Jews and Israelis.
The Dagestani government in the region expressed their support for a ceasefire to end the Israeli bombing in Gaza. They also urged citizens to stay calm and not participate in any protests.
The Dagestani government wrote on Telegram, asking residents of the republic to show understanding towards the current global situation. They also reminded citizens that federal authorities and international organizations are working hard to establish a ceasefire for Gaza civilians. The government urged residents not to give in to the provocations of destructive groups and not to spread panic in society.
Sheikh Akhmad Afandi, the top religious leader in Dagestan, urged residents to end the turmoil at the airport.
“I apologize, but this matter cannot be resolved in the manner you suggested. We empathize with and deeply feel your frustration. However, we will handle this situation differently. Instead of organizing protests, we will take appropriate action. Please remain patient and calm.” These were the words spoken in a video posted on Telegram.
Source: independent.co.uk
