A passenger plane from Israel landed at a Russian airport and was attacked by waiting protesters. They were confirmed to be pro-Palestinian protesters.
According to AP and Tass News Agency on the 29th (local time), a passenger plane from Israel landed at Makhachkala Airport in Dagestan, southwestern Russia, this afternoon.
Afterwards, upon hearing the news that an Israeli airliner had landed, pro-Palestinian protesters rushed to the airport and broke into the airport terminal entrance, saying, “We will hunt down Israelis.”
Some of the protesters ran to the runway, while others rioted, breaking barricades and checking the passengers of vehicles leaving the airport. It was revealed that many of them chanted ‘Allahu Akbar’ (God is great).
Citing local health authorities, the media reported that several people were injured in the protest.
The Russian Federal Aviation Administration decided to close the airport until the 6th of next month due to this incident.
Pro-Palestinian protesters stormed into the airport arrival hall. Capture from @jacksonhinklle X (Twitter)Although the Dagestan region is part of the Russian Federation, its majority population is Muslim. This incident is interpreted as a protest by Muslim residents in response to Israel mobilizing ground troops and entering the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli side expressed serious concerns regarding this incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that day, “We expect Russian law enforcement authorities to protect the safety of all Israeli citizens and Jews and to act decisively against the violent instigation of the rioters.”
In response, the government of the Autonomous Republic of Dagestan said, “The (Russian) federal authorities and international organizations are working to bring about a ceasefire for the residents of Gaza,” and added, “Residents should not succumb to the provocations of destructive groups or create panic in society.” “We urge you to do so,” he said in a statement.
Sergey Melikov, head of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Dagestan, also emphasized, “The actions of those gathered at Makhachkala Airport today are a serious violation of the law,” and “they must receive appropriate punishment from law enforcement agencies.”
Choi Jae-ho,
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.