The US Strongly Condemns Pro-Palestinian Rioters Involved in the Russian Airport Incident while Searching for an Israeli Flight

The White House strongly condemns the group of pro-Palestinian rioters in Russia who stormed an airport while shouting antisemitic chants and reportedly searching for passengers from a flight that departed from Tel Aviv, Israel.

The airport, located in the city of Makhachkala in the Republic of Dagestan, was forced to close after the rioters flooded the runway on Sunday night, as reported by Russian aviation authority Rosaviatsia. All other flights scheduled to land in Makhachkala were diverted.

In the first public statement made by the Biden administration regarding the incident, Adrienne Watson, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, stated that the U.S. condemns the “antisemitic protests” at the airport in Russia.

“The United States vigorously condemns the antisemitic protests in Dagestan, Russia,” Watson wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The U.S. unequivocally stands with the entire Jewish community as we witness a worldwide surge in antisemitism. There is never any excuse or justification for antisemitism.”

PRO-PALESTINIAN RIOTERS STORM RUSSIAN AIRPORT, FLOOD RUNWAY LOOKING FOR ISRAELI FLIGHT: OFFICIALS

Pro-Palestinian rioters in Russia stormed an airport, shouting anti-Israeli chants and allegedly searching for passengers from a flight that departed from Tel Aviv. (Reuters)

Watson’s post referring to the riot as a “protest” received backlash from many X users, with some stating that the appropriate term should be “pogrom,” which refers to attacks on specific ethnic groups, particularly Jewish people.

During the riot, a small number of Israelis were stranded at the airport as rioters chanted “Allahu Akbar” and antisemitic slogans, according to Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reporter Amichai Stein.

The Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem informed Reuters that an Israeli ambassador in Russia was working with authorities to ensure the safety of Israelis in the region.

BIDEN, OTHER WESTERN LEADERS REAFFIRM ISRAEL’S RIGHT TO DEFEND ITSELF, CALL FOR CIVILIAN PROTECTION

The Makhachkala airport was forced to close after the rioters flooded the runway. (Reuters)

“The State of Israel views attempts to harm Israeli citizens and Jews anywhere with great concern,” the Foreign Ministry stated. “Israel expects the Russian law enforcement authorities to protect all Israeli citizens and Jews, regardless of their identity, and to take decisive action against the rioters and the relentless incitement targeting Jews and Israelis.”

The majority of residents in Dagestan are Muslim, while the Jewish community represents a minority group in Russia, with approximately 83,000 people across the country.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

This airport riot in Russia occurs amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Israeli forces and Hamas terrorists.

Over 9,400 people have lost their lives on both sides since Hamas initiated its largest attack against Israel in decades on October 7, prompting Israeli forces to respond. Thousands more have been injured, and many have been taken hostage by Hamas, subjected to rape, torture, and murder.

Fox News’ Andrea Vacchiano contributed to this report.