JapanKozo Okamoto, a Japanese militant involved in a 1972 attack on Tel Aviv's airport that killed 26 people, died in Beirut at age 78. The attack, attributed to the Japanese Red Army and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), was a retaliatory strike against an Israeli commando raid on Beirut's airport in 1968. Okamoto spent 12 years in Israeli custody before being released in 1985 during a prisoner exchange. After gaining political asylum in Lebanon, he lived under protection of Palestinian groups until his death. The PFLP praised his dedication to the Palestinian cause, referring to him as 'Ahmad the Japanese.' Okamoto made rare public appearances, including at a Beirut cemetery commemorating the 50th anniversary of the attack.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames Okamoto's actions within the context of the Palestinian struggle, emphasizing his commitment to the cause and portraying his involvement in the 1972 attack as a justified act of resistance. The PFLP's statement highlights his 'immense sacrifices' and 'steadfastness,' aligning with
