ProPalestinian demonstrators storm airport in southern Russia
An airport in the southern Russian city of Makhachkala was closed on Sunday after a group of proPalestinian protesters stormed the runway, Russia’s aviation agency Rosaviatsia said. According to the local government, at least 20 people were injured.
Other Russian media showed a group trying to approach a plane, but the passengers remained safely on board. Portal could not determine whether the passengers were able to disembark.
According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, the identification number on the plane’s tail indicated it had arrived from Israel.
Authorities said all planes flying to Makhachkala in the Dagestan region were diverted to other airports.
Media reports from the region said demonstrators had gathered at the facility denouncing Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
Israel called on Russian authorities on Sunday to protect Israelis and Jews in their jurisdiction following media reports of possible reprisals against proPalestinian protesters in Dagestan.
A statement from the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem said the Israeli ambassador in Moscow was cooperating with Russian authorities. “The State of Israel takes seriously attempts to harm Israeli citizens and Jews everywhere,” the statement said.
“Israel expects Russian law enforcement authorities to protect all Israeli citizens and Jews, whoever they are, and to take strict measures against demonstrators and against the rampant incitement against Jews and Israelis,” the text says.