The Dagestan Ministry of Justice denied reports that it had received applications to organize rallies in support of residents of the Gaza Strip, clarifying that no such requests had been submitted. The regional department stated that it did not receive even a single application for permission to hold protests in solidarity with Gaza. This clarification followed social media chatter suggesting the Mufti of Dagestan had forbidden such a rally. The Ministry emphasised that if an official request were to arrive, it would be processed in the standard, prescribed manner. These statements aimed to dispel rumors circulating on social networks and to reassure the public that any future applications would be evaluated through proper channels and procedures.
Separately, reports confirmed that five people were injured in the chaos at Makhachkala Airport, with others receiving medical treatment in Dagestan’s hospitals. On October 29, as tensions in the Middle East intensified, a large crowd gathered at the airport during the arrival of a regularly scheduled flight from Tel Aviv. The crowd moved into the airport building, creating a dangerous surge that police and security forces later managed to quell. The incident drew rapid responses from local authorities and religious leaders, who condemned the unrest and attributed it to external provocation. Dagestan’s leadership and religious authorities stressed that outside forces were trying to inflame tensions, seeking to destabilise regional life.
In the wake of the incident, authorities noted that more than twenty individuals, including law enforcement officers, sustained injuries and that around sixty participants in the disturbance were taken into custody. The government called for calm and emphasised the need for orderly procedures to handle large crowds and potential demonstrations. The Kremlin later linked the events at Makhachkala to external influence, reinforcing the narrative that foreign factors were attempting to disrupt the region.
Analysts have pointed to deeper roots in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a contributing factor to the flare-up of protests and unrest in various regions. Experts underscored that regional reactions are shaped by a complex mix of political grievances, media influence, and local dynamics. The Dagestan situation illustrates how quickly rumours can spread online and how important it is for authorities to communicate clearly and act within established laws to maintain public safety.
Observers note that the path to stability rests on transparent information sharing, steady enforcement of rules during large gatherings, and timely engagement with community leaders to prevent external manipulation. By maintaining open channels with residents and religious institutions, Dagestan can better navigate tensions and protect social harmony without minimising the severity of the incidents or the genuine security concerns raised by difficult regional events.