Iraqi journalists, activists, and researchers are facing a wave of accusations and threats by shadowy online groups they suspect are linked to powerful pro-Iran factions.

Parties, armed groups, and even officials in Iraq benefit from legions of supporters dubbed "electronic armies," which take to social media to anonymously sing their praises or mock their detractors.

These online rivalries now appear to have been fanned by months of rising tensions pitting Iran against the US and Israel.

This summer, suspicious explosions hit five camps and arms depots run by Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi, a network of mostly Shiite armed factions linked to Iran.

The Hashed was quick to blame Israel and the United States, but also said it suspected "agents" of the two countries contributed to the attacks.

That accusation was followed by an online campaign accusing a broad range of Iraqi nationals of "collaborating" with Israel and the US.

One graphic shared by an Arabic-language page named "Don't Tread on Us" accused 14 Iraqis of de facto supporting a policy of "normalisation with Israel."

Shared on social media, it named figures such as journalist Joumana Mumtaz and blogger Ali Wajih.

In response, Wajih penned a rare open letter to Iraq's prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, Hashed chief Faleh Fayyadh and his powerful deputy Abu Mehdi al-Muhandis.&nbsp;

"For years, a group of us journalists and bloggers have faced incitements to murder by people and pages that may be close to the Hashed, or directly linked to it," he wrote.

Allegations they were "agents" or seeking normalisation with Israel, Wajih said, were "empty and silly".

'A broader plot'?

Iraqis have long been opposed to Israel because of its occupation of Palestinian land.

Baghdad has however developed close ties with Washington since the American-led invasion that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Despite that, Washington's bitter rival Tehran also holds considerable sway in Iraq's political scene and within the Hashed.

In recent months, anti-Israel and anti-US rhetoric has been on the rise as Iraqis feel increasingly squeezed by the war of words between the two sides.

Some Iraqi factions have used the purported Israeli strikes to relaunch calls for US troops to leave Iraq.

Just last week, many of the same figures lashed out against US-funded Al-Hurra TV for a documentary alleging corruption among Iraq's religious bodies, both Sunni and Shiite.

Perceptions Iraq was being "attacked" by Israel and America were "broadened to include critical and independent Iraqi voices, who have been maligned as agents in a broader plot," said Fanar Haddad, an Iraq expert at the National University of Singapore.

"In this way, entrenched domestic interests and rivalries have been folded into the ongoing tensions between the Iran-led axis of resistance and the United States, Israel and their allies in the region," he said.

Rights groups react&nbsp;

Omar al-Shaher, a journalist named in the graphic, said there was "not a shred of proof" to back up the claims.

"These days, it's more dangerous than ever to have your name associated with the Israeli camp," he told AFP.

Historian Omar Mohammad, who documented atrocities in Mosul under the Islamic State group, said he suspected the new accusations came "as a result of the recent (purported) Israeli airstrikes and US-Iranian tensions."

Mohammad said the graphic's sleek production meant he was "absolutely" taking its threats seriously.

"It is institutional and professional. Seems there is a team specialised in dehumanising us," Mohammad told AFP from outside Iraq.

Media rights groups are worried such incitement could lead to real violence.

"The sensitivity of the Palestinian question in the region means that accusing someone of working with Israel is tantamount to calling for their killing," said the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory.

On Thursday, monitor and rights group Iraqi Media House called for better protection of journalists.

"The phenomenon of electronic armies has reached dangerous levels, issuing threats including incitement to violence and hatred," it said.

"We are surprised by the authorities' continued silence so far, including the judiciary, in a clear abandonment of its responsibilities when it comes to electronic crimes."

Iraqi journalists, activists, and researchers are facing a wave of accusations and threats by shadowy online groups they suspect are linked to powerful pro-Iran factions.

Iraqi journalists, activists, and researchers are facing a wave of accusations and threats by shadowy online groups they suspect are linked to powerful pro-Iran factions. Parties, armed groups, and even officials in Iraq benefit from legions of supporters dubbed "electronic armies," which take to social media to anonymously sing their praises or mock their detractors. These online rivalries now appear to have been fanned by months of rising tensions pitting Iran against the US and Israel. This summer, suspicious explosions hit five camps and arms depots run by Iraq's Hashed al-Shaabi, a network of mostly Shiite armed factions linked to Iran. The Hashed was quick to blame Israel and the United States, but also said it suspected "agents" of the two countries contributed to the attacks. That accusation was followed by an online campaign accusing a broad range of Iraqi nationals of "collaborating" with Israel and the US. One graphic shared by an Arabic-language page named "Don't Tread on Us" accused 14 Iraqis of de facto supporting a policy of "normalisation with Israel." Shared on social media, it named figures such as journalist Joumana Mumtaz and blogger Ali Wajih. In response, Wajih penned a rare open letter to Iraq's prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, Hashed chief Faleh Fayyadh and his powerful deputy Abu Mehdi al-Muhandis. "For years, a group of us journalists and bloggers have faced incitements to murder by people and pages that may be close to the Hashed, or directly linked to it," he wrote. Allegations they were "agents" or seeking normalisation with Israel, Wajih said, were "empty and silly". 'A broader plot'? Iraqis have long been opposed to Israel because of its occupation of Palestinian land. Baghdad has however developed close ties with Washington since the American-led invasion that toppled ex-dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. Despite that, Washington's bitter rival Tehran also holds considerable sway in Iraq's political scene and within the Hashed. In recent months, anti-Israel and anti-US rhetoric has been on the rise as Iraqis feel increasingly squeezed by the war of words between the two sides. Some Iraqi factions have used the purported Israeli strikes to relaunch calls for US troops to leave Iraq. Just last week, many of the same figures lashed out against US-funded Al-Hurra TV for a documentary alleging corruption among Iraq's religious bodies, both Sunni and Shiite. Perceptions Iraq was being "attacked" by Israel and America were "broadened to include critical and independent Iraqi voices, who have been maligned as agents in a broader plot," said Fanar Haddad, an Iraq expert at the National University of Singapore. "In this way, entrenched domestic interests and rivalries have been folded into the ongoing tensions between the Iran-led axis of resistance and the United States, Israel and their allies in the region," he said. Rights groups react Omar al-Shaher, a journalist named in the graphic, said there was "not a shred of proof" to back up the claims. "These days, it's more dangerous than ever to have your name associated with the Israeli camp," he told AFP. Historian Omar Mohammad, who documented atrocities in Mosul under the Islamic State group, said he suspected the new accusations came "as a result of the recent (purported) Israeli airstrikes and US-Iranian tensions." Mohammad said the graphic's sleek production meant he was "absolutely" taking its threats seriously. "It is institutional and professional. Seems there is a team specialised in dehumanising us," Mohammad told AFP from outside Iraq. Media rights groups are worried such incitement could lead to real violence. "The sensitivity of the Palestinian question in the region means that accusing someone of working with Israel is tantamount to calling for their killing," said the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory. On Thursday, monitor and rights group Iraqi Media House called for better protection of journalists. "The phenomenon of electronic armies has reached dangerous levels, issuing threats including incitement to violence and hatred," it said. "We are surprised by the authorities' continued silence so far, including the judiciary, in a clear abandonment of its responsibilities when it comes to electronic crimes."

In divided Iraq, 'electronic armies' threaten activists, media

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Madonna sang her classic 'Like a Prayer'&nbsp;and her new single 'Future'&nbsp;with rapper-singer Quavo during a live performance at the grand finale of the 2019 Eurovision song contest on Sunday.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the pop singer also gave a subtle political statement for the unity between Israel and Palestine.

At the end of her performance, two of her supporting dancers walked hand in hand with the Israeli and Palestinian flags.

When she finished singing her track 'X' the singer said, "Wake up".

The same words were also displayed on the large screen behind her and Quavo.

Emphasizing the importance of music, during an interview Madonna had said, "Everybody here is from all over the world, right? So many countries that I have been privileged enough to visit and experience, and the one thing that brings me to those countries, and the thing that brings all of these people here tonight, is music. So let`s never underestimate the power of music to bring people together."

Her performance and her comments about the power of music aired live on Tel Aviv.&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

Madonna sang her classic 'Like a Prayer' and her new single 'Future' with rapper-singer Quavo during a live performance at the grand finale of the 2019 Eurovision song contest on Sunday.

Madonna sang her classic 'Like a Prayer' and her new single 'Future' with rapper-singer Quavo during a live performance at the grand finale of the 2019 Eurovision song contest on Sunday. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the pop singer also gave a subtle political statement for the unity between Israel and Palestine. At the end of her performance, two of her supporting dancers walked hand in hand with the Israeli and Palestinian flags. When she finished singing her track 'X' the singer said, "Wake up". The same words were also displayed on the large screen behind her and Quavo. Emphasizing the importance of music, during an interview Madonna had said, "Everybody here is from all over the world, right? So many countries that I have been privileged enough to visit and experience, and the one thing that brings me to those countries, and the thing that brings all of these people here tonight, is music. So let`s never underestimate the power of music to bring people together." Her performance and her comments about the power of music aired live on Tel Aviv.

Madonna performs live at Eurovision 2019

Israel and the United States are putting the financial squeeze on the Palestinian Authority (PA), where opposition to a long-awaited U.S. peace plan and anger over Israeli sanctions remain strong.

As Trump team prepares Mideast plan, Palestinians face financial crisis

WION ground report: Palestinians protest at Gaza Border

A driver crashed into a police officer and two other people&nbsp;in northern Israel before being shot and wounded.

The incident happened on Sunday in northern Israel , media reports quoted authorities claiming it was a terror attack. &quot;Police confirm that the incident was a terror attack,&quot; police said in a statement.

The border police officer and two soldiers were lightly wounded.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that after a preliminary investigation, the incident in the city of Acre was deemed to be &quot;nationalistic,&quot; a term usually reserved for politically motivated attacks on Israelis by Palestinians.

Security footage showed a speeding jeep driving through a junction where a uniformed paramilitary man was crossing when it striked him, sending him flying into the air. In subsequent footage, the same jeep is seen crashing into another car.

Investigations are underway to find out more information about the attacker and no other details have yet been discovered.&nbsp;

Palestinians and Arab Israelis have carried out car-ramming attacks against Israelis and Israeli security forces numerous times in the past.

The border police officer and two soldiers were lightly wounded

A driver crashed into a police officer and two other people in northern Israel before being shot and wounded. The incident happened on Sunday in northern Israel , media reports quoted authorities claiming it was a terror attack. "Police confirm that the incident was a terror attack," police said in a statement. The border police officer and two soldiers were lightly wounded. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said that after a preliminary investigation, the incident in the city of Acre was deemed to be "nationalistic," a term usually reserved for politically motivated attacks on Israelis by Palestinians. Security footage showed a speeding jeep driving through a junction where a uniformed paramilitary man was crossing when it striked him, sending him flying into the air. In subsequent footage, the same jeep is seen crashing into another car. Investigations are underway to find out more information about the attacker and no other details have yet been discovered. Palestinians and Arab Israelis have carried out car-ramming attacks against Israelis and Israeli security forces numerous times in the past.

Car-ramming attack injures 3 in Israel, police confirm terror attack

The Trump administration has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jerusalem-has-to-be-israels-capital-netanyahu-30855">put the head of Palestinian movement</a> Hamas, Ismail Haniya, on terror blacklist.

&quot;Haniya has close links with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-jets-bombard-hamas-positions-in-gaza-28516">Hamas&#39; military wing and has been</a> a proponent of armed struggle, including against civilians,&quot; the State Department said in a statement.

The move will likely increase tensions in West Asia after President Trump last month recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and decided to move the American embassy to the holy city.

&quot;He has reportedly been involved in terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens. Hamas has been responsible for an estimated 17 American lives killed in terrorist attacks,&quot; the statement added.

Hamas which controls the Gaza Strip has been on the US terror blacklist since 1997.

The US decision to put Haniya&nbsp;on terror blacklist will not deter the group&#39;s &quot;resistance&quot; to Israel, Hamas&nbsp;said.

&quot;The American decision to include Ismail&nbsp;Haniya on the terrorist list is a failed attempt to pressure the resistance,&quot; Hamas said in a statement, adding,&quot;This decision will not deter us from continuing the resistance option to expel the occupation.&quot;

Hamas does not recognise Israel and has fought three wars against&nbsp;the Jewish state since 2008.

Last month the Isreali government had said that Hamas must disarm and recognise Israel under the Palestinian unity deal.

Hamas and Isreal have constantly exchanged fire across the border. In early January&nbsp;Israeli jets bombarded Hamas bases in Gaza in response to alleged rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave.

The move will likely increase tensions in West Asia after President Trump last month recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal

The Trump administration has put the head of Palestinian movement Hamas, Ismail Haniya, on terror blacklist. "Haniya has close links with Hamas' military wing and has been a proponent of armed struggle, including against civilians," the State Department said in a statement. The move will likely increase tensions in West Asia after President Trump last month recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and decided to move the American embassy to the holy city. "He has reportedly been involved in terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens. Hamas has been responsible for an estimated 17 American lives killed in terrorist attacks," the statement added. Hamas which controls the Gaza Strip has been on the US terror blacklist since 1997. The US decision to put Haniya on terror blacklist will not deter the group's "resistance" to Israel, Hamas said. "The American decision to include Ismail Haniya on the terrorist list is a failed attempt to pressure the resistance," Hamas said in a statement, adding,"This decision will not deter us from continuing the resistance option to expel the occupation." Hamas does not recognise Israel and has fought three wars against the Jewish state since 2008. Last month the Isreali government had said that Hamas must disarm and recognise Israel under the Palestinian unity deal. Hamas and Isreal have constantly exchanged fire across the border. In early January Israeli jets bombarded Hamas bases in Gaza in response to alleged rocket fire from the Palestinian enclave.

US puts Hamas chief Ismail Haniya on terror blacklist

Ahead of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-israel-agree-to-act-tough-against-terrorist-networks-co-operate-in-trade-and-investment-8832">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s visit</a>, India is set to buy surface-to-air missiles from Israel in a deal worth $70 million.

India had signed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/modi-breaks-the-nehruvian-consensus-17657">seven agreements with Israel last year</a> during PM Modi&#39;s visit to Tel Aviv in July, but there were no agreements on defence. The agreements included communications and space technology.

The Defense ministry said India will buy 131&nbsp;surface-to-air missiles from Israel as Netanyahu begins his four-day trip to India.

The Indian defence ministry also said it had approved the purchase of 240 bombs from Russia&#39;s JSC Rosonboron Exports for $188 million.

&quot;This procurement will address the deficiency of precision-guided munitions in the IAF (Indian Air Force) arsenal, besides enhancing the offensive capabilities of the IAF,&quot; the defense ministry said in a statement.

India and Israel are involved in a number trade deals in space, agriculture and water cooperation. Israeli defence companies are also actively involved in government&#39;s &quot;Make in India&quot; initiative with joint ventures with several Indian companies.

The Indian defence ministry also said it had approved the purchase of 240 bombs from Russia's JSC Rosonboron Exports for $188 million.

Ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit, India is set to buy surface-to-air missiles from Israel in a deal worth $70 million. India had signed seven agreements with Israel last year during PM Modi's visit to Tel Aviv in July, but there were no agreements on defence. The agreements included communications and space technology. The Defense ministry said India will buy 131 surface-to-air missiles from Israel as Netanyahu begins his four-day trip to India. The Indian defence ministry also said it had approved the purchase of 240 bombs from Russia's JSC Rosonboron Exports for $188 million. "This procurement will address the deficiency of precision-guided munitions in the IAF (Indian Air Force) arsenal, besides enhancing the offensive capabilities of the IAF," the defense ministry said in a statement. India and Israel are involved in a number trade deals in space, agriculture and water cooperation. Israeli defence companies are also actively involved in government's "Make in India" initiative with joint ventures with several Indian companies.

Ahead of Netanyahu's visit, India to buy 131 surface-to-air missiles from Israel

US ambassador to UN Nikki Haley said the &quot;United State will be taking names&quot; and report back to President Trump on those countries who vote against the draft resolution on US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

The United Nations General Assembly will be holding an emergency special session on Thursday at the request of Arab states on President Trump&#39;s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

Turkey and Yemen requested an urgent meeting on behalf of the Arab countries and the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation.

&quot;At the UN we&#39;re always asked to do more &amp; give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American people, about where to locate our embassy, we don&#39;t expect those we&#39;ve helped to target us,&quot; Hailey said on Twitter.

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
At the UN we&#39;re always asked to do more &amp; give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American ppl, abt where to locate OUR embassy, we don&#39;t expect those we&#39;ve helped to target us. On Thurs there&#39;ll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names. <a href="https://t.co/ZsusB8Hqt4">pic.twitter.com/ZsusB8Hqt4</a>
&mdash; Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) <a href="https://twitter.com/nikkihaley/status/943241599953309696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

On Tuesday, the United States had blocked a UN resolution which sought to withdraw Trump administration&#39;s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

Nikki Haley called it an &quot;insult&quot;, adding,&quot;it won&#39;t be forgotten.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;On Thursday there&#39;ll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names,&quot; Nikki Haley added.

Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour, including several other West Asian diplomats, are set to vote against the draft.

The UN General Assembly will be holding an emergency special session at the request of Arab states on Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

US ambassador to UN Nikki Haley said the "United State will be taking names" and report back to President Trump on those countries who vote against the draft resolution on US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The United Nations General Assembly will be holding an emergency special session on Thursday at the request of Arab states on President Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Turkey and Yemen requested an urgent meeting on behalf of the Arab countries and the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation. "At the UN we're always asked to do more & give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American people, about where to locate our embassy, we don't expect those we've helped to target us," Hailey said on Twitter. At the UN we're always asked to do more & give more. So, when we make a decision, at the will of the American ppl, abt where to locate OUR embassy, we don't expect those we've helped to target us. On Thurs there'll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names. pic.twitter.com/ZsusB8Hqt4 — Nikki Haley (@nikkihaley) December 19, 2017 × On Tuesday, the United States had blocked a UN resolution which sought to withdraw Trump administration's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Nikki Haley called it an "insult", adding,"it won't be forgotten." "On Thursday there'll be a vote criticizing our choice. The US will be taking names," Nikki Haley added. Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour, including several other West Asian diplomats, are set to vote against the draft.

Jerusalem status at UN: We don't expect those we've helped to target us, says Nikki Haley

Just days after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jerusalem-status-us-decision-a-serious-violation-of-international-law-says-pak-pm-abbasi-26120">PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi condemned</a> President Trump&#39;s decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, Pakistan&#39;s hardline political outfits took to the streets to protest against Trump&#39;s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

Protesters <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sooner-palestinians-come-to-grips-with-reality-we-can-move-towards-peace-israeli-pm-netanyahu-26405">belonging to Majlis Wahdat ul Muslimeen</a>(MWM), a hardline Islamist group, torched the US and Israeli flags in front of the US Consulate in Karachi.

Several hundred Difa-e-Pakistan Council protesters, an umbrella organization of hardline political organization took to the streets in Karachi chanting &nbsp;&quot;Death to America&quot; holding anti-US banners.

Last week, Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed in his first public speech in Chauburji near Lahore had slammed the US move to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital saying: &quot;Any Muslim country if opens its consulate in Jerusalem should be barred from opening their embassies in the Muslim countries.&quot;

The Jammat chief urged the Pakistan government to convene a session of joint parliament to discuss the Jerusalem issue.

On Thursday, PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had said he &nbsp;deeply regretted that pleas from states across the globe not to alter the &quot;legal and historical status&quot; of Al Quds Al Sharif have been ignored after President Trump announced the US administration was changing Jerusalem&#39;s status and moving its embassy to the holy site which Palestinians also claim is their home.

Trump had said the decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital was &quot;long overdue&quot; even as NATO allies Britain and France called Trump&#39;s decision &quot;unhelpful&quot; and &quot;regrettable&quot;.

Protesters belonging to Majlis Wahdat ul Muslimeen, a hardline Islamist group, torched the US and Israeli flags in front of the US Consulate in Karachi

Just days after PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi condemned President Trump's decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem, Pakistan's hardline political outfits took to the streets to protest against Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Protesters belonging to Majlis Wahdat ul Muslimeen(MWM), a hardline Islamist group, torched the US and Israeli flags in front of the US Consulate in Karachi. Several hundred Difa-e-Pakistan Council protesters, an umbrella organization of hardline political organization took to the streets in Karachi chanting "Death to America" holding anti-US banners. Last week, Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed in his first public speech in Chauburji near Lahore had slammed the US move to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital saying: "Any Muslim country if opens its consulate in Jerusalem should be barred from opening their embassies in the Muslim countries." The Jammat chief urged the Pakistan government to convene a session of joint parliament to discuss the Jerusalem issue. On Thursday, PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had said he deeply regretted that pleas from states across the globe not to alter the "legal and historical status" of Al Quds Al Sharif have been ignored after President Trump announced the US administration was changing Jerusalem's status and moving its embassy to the holy site which Palestinians also claim is their home. Trump had said the decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital was "long overdue" even as NATO allies Britain and France called Trump's decision "unhelpful" and "regrettable".

Hardline groups in Pakistan protest against Trump's Jerusalem plan

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