Hundreds storm airport in Russia in antisemitic riot over arrival of plane from Israel​

According to Russian news sources, on Sunday, the crowd encircled the aircraft, which is operated by the Russian airline Red Wings. In response to the situation, the authorities decided to shut down Makhachkala Airport. The Ministry of Health in Dagestan reported that over 20 individuals were injured and two people are in critical condition. Among the injured were both police officers and civilians, according to a report. (Photo Credit - AP)

Social media videos depict a few individuals within the crowd waving Palestinian flags, while others attempted to overturn a police vehicle. The videos captured the chanting of antisemitic slogans, and some members of the crowd seemed to inspect the passports of arriving passengers, apparently with the intent of identifying Israeli travelers. (Photo Credit - AP)

The Interior Ministry for the federal district which includes Dagestan announced on Monday that they had detained sixty individuals during the unrest. Whether any charges had been pressed against these individuals remained unclear. (Photo Credit - ANI)

On Sunday evening, the statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed that Russian law enforcement authorities would ensure the safety of all Israeli citizens and Jews, regardless of their location, and take strong measures against the individuals causing unrest and promoting hostile incitement targeting Jews and Israelis.

Furthermore, PM Netanyahu’s office emphasized that the Israeli ambassador to Russia was actively collaborating with Russian authorities to ensure the safety of Israelis and Jews.

“We urge residents of the republic to treat the current situation in the world with understanding. Federal authorities and international organizations are making every effort to bring about a cease-fire against Gaza civilians … we urge residents of the republic not to succumb to the provocations of destructive groups and not to create panic in society,” the Dagestani government wrote on Telegram. (Photo Credit - Reuters)

Subsequently, Russia's civilian aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, confirmed that the airfield had been evacuated. However, they also noted that the airport would remain inaccessible for incoming flights until November 6th. (Photo Credit - Reuters)