Security around the world was tightened Friday as Israeli authorities warned the public against Hamas’s call for a “Day of Rage” targeting its people and Jews.
Israel’s National Security Council and Foreign Ministry said they recommended all Israelis abroad to “be vigilant, stay away from demonstrations and protests and – if necessary – check to local security forces regarding possible demonstrations and unrest in the area.
“In the context of Operation Iron Swords, the Hamas leadership called on all its supporters around the world to organize a “Day or Wrath”… (Friday, October 13, 2023) and attack Israelis and Jews” , the agencies said. said in a joint statement. “It is reasonable to assume that there will be protest demonstrations in different countries that may escalate into violence.”
“The National Security Council, the security services and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to act everywhere to safeguard the security of Israeli citizens around the world,” the statement added.
LIVE UPDATES: ISRAEL AT WAR AGAINST HAMAS
Supporters of the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League burn a representation of the Israeli flag during a protest against Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and to show solidarity with the Palestinian people in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Friday. (AP/Muhammad Sajjad)
The FBI also told Fox News on Thursday that it was aware of “calls for global action on Friday, October 13 that could lead to protests in communities across the United States.”
“We are working closely with our law enforcement partners across the country to share information and identify and neutralize any threats that may emerge. As always, we take any tips or leads we receive seriously regarding potential threats and rigorously investigate them to determine their credibility,” the FBI said. “The FBI encourages members of the public to remain vigilant and report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.”
On Wednesday, former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal called for protests in support of the Palestinians.
“[We must] meet on Friday in the squares and streets of the Arab and Islamic world,” he said in a recorded statement, cited by Reuters.
Meshaal specifically mentioned Jordan, Israel’s neighbor, in his plea. The news agency reports that Jordan and Lebanon are home to the largest number of Palestinian refugees.
ISRAEL, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, UK, US AND OTHERS HAVE OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED HAMAS AS A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION
Iraqis are holding a mass rally in support of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in Baghdad, Iraq, on Friday. (AP/Anmar Khalil)
“Tribes of Jordan, sons of Jordan, brothers and sisters of Jordan… This is a moment of truth and the borders are close to you, you all know your responsibility,” Meshaal was quoted as saying, adding “To all the scholars who teach jihad…to all those who teach and learn, now is the time to apply.”
The Israel-Hamas war – which began on Saturday following an attack by the terrorist group in Israel – left at least 2,800 dead on Friday, including at least 1,300 Israeli civilians and soldiers and 27 Americans.
Sri Lankan Muslims take part in a protest on Friday against Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and to show solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Security has already been increased in major U.S. cities and countries around the world as law enforcement works to prevent acts of anti-Semitism and violence against Jewish people.
Brooke Singman of Fox News contributed to this report.