Protesters stormed an airport in Dagestan, Russia, following the arrival of a plane from Israel. Residents of Dagestan raised the Palestinian flag above the aircraft that transported "the Israelis." The plane landed in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, where large crowds of Muslims gathered at the airport entrance with the intent of attacking the Israeli passengers while chanting "Allahu Akbar."
The plane's captain requested that the passengers remain seated and not leave the aircraft, explaining that "there is a desire among some protesters not to welcome any Israelis on their land due to the ongoing massacres in Gaza."
Protesters also raised the Palestinian flag above the plane carrying the Israelis. According to AFP, a flight from Israel to Russia's Dagestan Republic was forced to divert to its destination in Makhachkala after pro-Palestinian demonstrators stormed the airport.
Footage showed a crowd of protesters inside the airport after they learned about the incoming flight. Israel urged Russian authorities on Sunday to protect Israelis and Jews in areas under their jurisdiction following reports of potential retaliatory actions from pro-Palestinian protesters in Dagestan. The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the Israeli ambassador in Moscow is working with Russian authorities to ensure the safety of Israelis and Jews. The statement added that "the State of Israel views with great concern attempts to harm Israeli and Jewish citizens anywhere."
Russian media reported that protesters were chanting, "No place for killers in Dagestan." Videos also showed travelers returning to the aircraft to escape from the angry demonstrators. Other footage broadcast live on Dagestani television showed police addressing the protesters, stating, "We will never intervene, and we support you," while official Russian authorities are currently absent from the situation.
The Russian aviation agency (Rosaviatsiya) announced the closure of the airport in Makhachkala on Sunday after individuals breached the runway. It added that all flights heading to Makhachkala in Dagestan were redirected to other airports. Israeli media reported that a number of Israelis and Jews were placed under secure supervision at Dagestan airport.
Late on Sunday night, the Russian aviation agency announced the removal of protesters from Dagestan airport and a decision to close it until November 6. TASS reported that the Health Ministry in Dagestan stated, "There are injured individuals at Makhachkala airport."
