Israel has urgently called upon Russian authorities to safeguard Israelis and Jews within their jurisdictions following alarming reports of potential reprisals by pro-Palestinian protesters in the Russian Republic of Dagestan. The situation has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of these communities, prompting diplomatic efforts to ensure their well-being.
Background: The protests in Dagestan were triggered by the recent arrival of an airliner from Tel Aviv, Israel. Here are the key details:
- Airport Incident:
- Location: The main airport in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan.
- Protesters: Hundreds of people stormed the airport and climbed onto the landing field.
- Target: The airliner arriving from Tel Aviv.
- Antisemitic Slogans: Reports indicate that some protesters shouted antisemitic slogans during the demonstration.
- Safety Measures: Passengers on the affected flight were forced to seek refuge within planes or hide within the airport premises due to safety concerns .
- Motivations and Context:
- While specific motivations behind the protest have not been explicitly provided, it is likely that the demonstrators were expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause and denouncing Israeli actions.
- The ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict may have contributed to heightened tensions and emotions during the protest.
- Diplomatic Efforts:
- Israel has urgently appealed to Russian law enforcement authorities to protect all Israeli citizens and Jews within their jurisdictions.
- The Israeli ambassador to Russia is actively collaborating with Russian authorities to ensure the safety and security of Israelis and Jews residing in Dagestan.
- Social Media Influence:
- Social media platforms, particularly Telegram, played a role in inspiring the riots. Followers were informed that a flight from Tel Aviv would be arriving with refugees from Israel.
- Some signs held by rioters explicitly expressed opposition to Jewish refugees.
- External Actors and Misinformation:
- Sergei Melikov, the head of Dagestan, attributed the riots to external actors spreading misinformation (“fakes”).
In summary, Russia has taken measures to address the situation, including closing the airport and ensuring passenger safety. However, tensions remain high as authorities work diligently to maintain order and protect affected communities.
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