Officials in the United States (US) warned on Friday (Oct 4) that the upcoming first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip could serve as a motivator for acts of violence by extremists.

Officials in the United States (US) warned on Friday (Oct 4) that the upcoming first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip could serve as a motivator for acts of violence by extremists. The war in Gaza broke out on October 7 last year. In a joint statement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security said, "The FBI and DHS assess the first anniversary of October 7, 2023, attacks that initiated the ongoing Israel-HAMAS conflict, as well as any further significant escalations in the conflict, maybe a motivating factor for violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators to engage in violence or threaten public safety." Also read | West Asia crisis: Israel should strike Iran's nuclear facilities, says Trump The agencies said that over the past year, they have observed violent extremist activity and hate crimes in the US linked to the conflict. The potential threats "Jewish, Muslim, or Arab institutions — including synagogues, mosques/Islamic centres, and community centres — and large public gatherings, such as memorials, vigils, or other lawful demonstrations, present attractive targets for violent attacks or for hoax threats by a variety of threat actors, including violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators," the FBI and the DHS said. "Such actors may view the anniversary as an opportunity to conduct an attack or other high-profile, illegal activity," their statement added. The agencies also added that online messaging associated with FTOs (Foreign Terrorist Organisations) and other violent extremists highlighting the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks could motivate threat actors across ideologies, including those who espouse violent anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, to engage in violence. The precautions The joint statement advised people to call 911 to report emergencies, including imminent threats to life. "Be aware of your surroundings at all times and report suspicious activities to the authorities," the statement said. "The FBI and DHS encourage the public to promptly report information concerning suspicious activity to tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)," the statement added.

US agencies warn of threats on upcoming first anniversary of Gaza war

first-year-anniversary-of-gaza-war

First Year Anniversary Of Gaza War, News on First Year Anniversary Of Gaza War, stories on First Year Anniversary Of Gaza War, articles on First Year Anniversary Of Gaza War, First Year Anniversary Of Gaza War stories at Wion, First Year Anniversary Of Gaza War news, First Year Anniversary Of Gaza War latest news

first year-anniversary-of-gaza-war

US agencies warn of threats on upcoming first anniversary of Gaza war