The Lod Airport massacre occurred when members of the Japanese Red Army, a leftist militant organization, successfully executed a coordinated attack at Lod Airport, now known as Ben Gurion Airport. Armed with automatic weapons, grenades, and a commitment to their cause, they opened fire indiscriminately on passengers and airport staff. The tragic event unfolded as travelers were boarding flights, creating chaos and panic in the busy terminal. A total of 24 people lost their lives, primarily innocent civilians, and 78 others were injured, with many sustaining serious wounds.

The perpetrators held radical beliefs influenced by global revolutionary ideologies and sought to draw attention to their struggle against perceived imperialistic powers. This attack was part of a series of violent acts by the Japanese Red Army, who integrated their mission with anti-Zionist sentiments. The Japanese Red Army had been supported by various Middle Eastern groups, as they aligned with the Palestinian cause. The violence at Lod Airport not only shocked the Israeli public but also drew widespread international condemnation, leading to increased security measures at airports around the world.

In the aftermath, the Israeli government responded with heightened security protocols and intelligence operations aimed at preventing such attacks in the future. This incident underscored the global nature of terrorism during the 1970s and the interconnectedness of various radical groups worldwide. The incident remains a significant reference point in discussions about airport security and international terrorism.