Russia airport closed after mob searches for Jews on Israel flight. Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, an unsettling episode unfolded at an airport in Russia’s Dagestan, marked by unrest and tensions on Sunday.
Reports emerged of a mob descending on the airport in search of Israelis and Jews, spurred by rumors of an incoming flight from Israel.
This escalation, primarily in response to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, prompted Israel to urge Russia to safeguard its citizens.
The chaotic scene unfolded in the predominantly Muslim region, where dozens of protesters, many chanting “Allahu Akbar,” breached airport doors and barriers, some even reaching the runway.
Social media, alongside Russian outlets such as RT and Izvestia, showcased videos depicting the alarming breach.
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Russia’s aviation agency, Rosaviatsiya, swiftly responded, closing the airport and dispatching security forces to manage the situation.
The governor of Dagestan assured that those responsible for the incident would face consequences.
However, the exact number of injuries sustained during the upheaval remains unclear. The airport, subsequently declared “freed” from the mob, is scheduled to remain closed until November 6, as per Rosaviatsiya’s late Sunday announcement.
Protesters were seen outside the airport, intercepting vehicles, while inside the terminal, videos captured a crowd attempting to force entry through doors, met with resistance from airport staff.
The genesis of this unrest is rooted in the conflict overseas. Hamas’s assault on Israel, reportedly the deadliest in the nation’s history, led to significant civilian casualties and heightened tensions.
In response, Israel conducted airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in further casualties, including many children, as per reports from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement urging Russian authorities to shield Israeli citizens and Jews while decisively acting against rioters and violence incitement targeting these groups.
However, amidst these escalating tensions, appeals for calm surfaced from various sources. Akhmed Dudayev, the minister of information in neighboring Chechnya, urged against provocations via Telegram, while Dagestan’s government implored the halting of illegal acts despite the anger sparked by the conflict in Palestine.
Sergei Melikov, the governor of Dagestan, denounced the airport incident, affirming the need for appropriate law enforcement action. He also acknowledged the grievances regarding the conflict but emphasized the need to maintain order in the region.
The incident at the airport reflects wider concerns about the growing cultural animosity in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the incident, citing it as part of Russia’s broader culture of animosity toward other nations, which he claims is propagated through state-controlled media and official channels.
Dagestan, situated in Russia’s southernmost region and one of its poorest areas, has actively participated in the Ukraine conflict, contributing a significant number of individuals, as per independent reports.
The event has not only resulted in immediate chaos but also raised broader concerns about the intersection of international conflicts and domestic stability in the region.
The need for swift and decisive action to address such tensions and prevent further escalations remains a priority for local and international authorities.
Russia airport closed after mob searches for Jews on Israel flight, watch the video here:
In 🇷🇺 Makhachkala, locals storm the airport after a plane from Tel-Aviv arrives. They check passports, looking for Israelis. The police don’t interfere. #Israel #IsraelPalestine pic.twitter.com/2mnTBiq1kK
— olexander scherba🇺🇦 (@olex_scherba) October 29, 2023
