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A flight from Israel to the Russian Republic of Dagestan on Sunday was forced to divert from its intended destination in the capital of Makhachkala amid reports of a planned mob attack on Israeli passengers by pro-Palestinians protesters.
Videos shared on social media showed a swarm of angry locals at an airport walking “menacingly” towards a plane that seemed to have just landed while waving Palestinian flags.
According to the Times of Israel, local media, the plane landed at an alternate airport but faced riots there as well.
Passengers were instructed to remain inside the plane and riot police were called to the scene to protect them, the report added.
A statement from Israel’s foreign ministry urged Russian authorities to protect Israelis and Jews in their jurisdictions.
“The State of Israel views gravely attempts to harm Israelis citizens and Jews anywhere,” the statement said.
“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.”
Last week, representatives of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, visited Moscow for a meeting with Russian government officials.
Israel had lashed out at Russia for welcoming the militant group, saying the country’s public association with the militant group portrayed support for terrorism.
Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, Russia has repeatedly said it stands with the “sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with east Jerusalem as its capital and coexisting in peace and security with Israel”.
