The FBI is warning Americans to be vigilant. The White House announced that the United States was preparing for a Day of Jihad. A former leader of Hamas called for Muslim communities around the world to protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

On Thursday, Khaled Mashaal, a former leader of the Palestinian paramilitary group which last weekend launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel, called on Muslims to take to the streets to show their anger about what is happening in Gaza.

“[We must] head to the squares and streets of the Arab and Islamic world on Friday,” said Mashaal, who now heads Hamas’ diaspora office in Qatar.

In a video posted on YouTube, which has since been removed, he also called on the people of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt to join the fight against Israel.

“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,” he said.

American lawmakers are concerned about threats from jihadist groups in countries like Syria and Iraq.

National Security Council (NSC) spokesman John Kirby said that the government is focused on sharing intelligence with Israel. Kirby said that communication is good between the U.S. and Israel. Kirby said that the NSC is in constant contact with local law enforcement across the U.S. – state and federal officials. They are making sure that everyone is staying vigilant in identifying threats and disrupting them to protect Americans. “We’re absolutely going to stay focused on that.”

Some Americans are pointing to the Second Amendment in response to potential threats in the United States.

FAFO

Floridians are armed

We won’t be intimidated https://t.co/SiucNulu15

— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) October 12, 2023

The call for a Day of Jihad came after Israel announced an escalation in its response to Hamas’ attack with a ground offensive in Gaza. The Israeli military told the U.N. that everyone in northern Gaza – more than one million people – should evacuate to the southern half of Gaza within 24 hours to avoid “for the next stage of the war.”

That is what Israel does. It warns those in potential danger to leave before military action in order to minimize loss of innocent lives. In contrast, Hamas animals came into Israel and butchered babies and murdered children, women, and the elderly sleeping in their beds. Their goal is the elimination of Jews from the face of the earth.

Israel has cut off water, electricity, and fuel from Gaza. There is no humanitarian aid now.

Israel's Minister of Infrastructure, Energy &Water, I. Katz:

"Humanitarian aid to Gaza? No electrical switch will be turned on, no water hydrant will be opened & no fuel truck will enter until the hostages are released. Humanitarianism for humanitarianism.Don't preach morality" pic.twitter.com/BJ5FsbBshQ

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 12, 2023

This is a time of moral clarity. There is no going back from these acts of war by Hamas. It is disgusting to see reports of support for Hamas in cities around the world.

Vienna, Austria. https://t.co/5Pb55xmuie

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 12, 2023

Paris, France. https://t.co/0yvV87kHmq

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 13, 2023

The Global Day of Rage is beginning.

BREAKING:

Israeli diplomat seriously wounded after being stabbed on the street in Beijing.

Hamas called for Friday to be a "Day of Global Rage" pic.twitter.com/22RTSDyMEe

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 13, 2023

BREAKING:

Man yells "Allahu Ahkbar" before stabbing a teacher to death and wounding another 2 in a high school school in French city of Arras.

Hamas has declared Friday to be a Global Day of Rage pic.twitter.com/i1OjMXSO7n

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 13, 2023

The demonstrations seen on campuses of American universities in support of the war begun by Hamas against Israel are particularly surreal. American higher education is garbage in so many places.

Loud chanting by a large group of students at the University of Washington in Seattle today:

“There is only one solution. Intifada Revolution.” pic.twitter.com/5FFAxkbz7T

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) October 13, 2023

Hamas supporters march at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA to call for the elimination of Israel and to support Palestine after the terror attacks commited by Hamas in Israel. pic.twitter.com/ZQzj3z4AfH

— Hilliard (@byhilliard) October 10, 2023

University of Memphis students march in support of Hamas saying there are "no innocent civilians" in settler colonialism. The students chanted, "From the river to the sea…" https://t.co/S7bZ6NsVLj

— toddstarnes (@toddstarnes) October 11, 2023

“From the river to the sea.” That is a call for the complete elimination of Israel.

The George Washington University Students for Justice in Palestine posted a statement in support of an international terrorist organization, Hamas. pic.twitter.com/JV0AwtEdi2

— Tahmineh Dehbozorgi (@DeTahmineh) October 10, 2023

Imagine the fear for their personal safety on their college campus that Jewish students must feel right now.

Law enforcement agencies across the United States are offering additional protection to Jewish organizations today. Elected officials are calling for calm.

“There’s no reason to feel afraid. No one should feel they have to alter their normal lives,” said New York Gov. Kathy Hochul at a Thursday press conference, according to Reuters.

The Salt Lake City Police Department made a similar point in a statement released Thursday afternoon.

“The steps the Salt Lake City Police Department is taking are not in response to any known threat. The Salt Lake City Police Department wants community members to feel safe and to go about their daily lives,” the department said in the statement, noting that officers have been in regular contact with local Jewish and Muslim leaders since Saturday’s surprise attack on Israel.

Stay vigilant.