Watch: Anti-Israel protesters storm airport in Russia, forcing it to close
Israel has urged Russia to protect “all its citizens and all Jews” after a large mob stormed a Dagestan airport, some shouting antisemitic slogans.
Video footage apparently from the scene shows an angry crowd running in the airport in Makhachkala, reportedly seeking people arriving from Tel Aviv.
Some of the crowd ran onto the runway and surrounded aircraft there.
Russia’s aviation agency said the situation was under control after authorities had arrived on the scene.
Rosaviatsia added that the airport would be “provisionally closed” until 6 November.
Videos on social media appeared to show hundreds of people storming the airport terminal, with some waving Palestinian flags and shouting “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest).
Earlier, local media reported that some demonstrators were stopping cars outside Makhachkala’s airport demanding to see documents, in a chaotic search for Israeli passports.
Several people were injured, health officials said.
The Israeli PM’s office said Russia must act decisively against incitement to violence against Jews and Israelis.
The government of Dagestan – a mainly Muslim Russian republic in the North Caucasus, home to some 3.1m people on the western edge of the Caspian Sea – said a criminal case had been opened for civil disorder.
While voicing support for Gaza, it appealed to citizens to remain calm and not take part in such protests. There have been widespread protests internationally against Israel’s bombing of Gaza.
“We recommend that all persons who have violated the operating procedures of the [airport] facility do not continue illegal acts and not interfere with the work of airport employees,” the Dagestan government said on Telegram.
Israel’s foreign ministry said the Israeli ambassador in Moscow was working with Russian authorities, adding that Israel “views gravely attempts to harm Israeli citizens and Jews anywhere”.
“Israel expects the Russian law enforcement authorities to safeguard all Israeli citizens and Jews, whoever they may be, and to take robust action against the rioters and against the unbridled incitement being directed at Jews and Israelis,” the ministry statement said.
More on Israel-Gaza war
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
