New Delhi: As Israel and Hamas — the Palestinian militant group in control of the Gaza Strip — continue to clash, intelligence agencies in India have warned of potential protests and disruptions near Jewish properties and community centres across states in the country. The alert comes following a reported call for “mass mobilisation” by Hamas Friday.
The security officials have been alerted to ensure adequate security and to prepare for any emergency situation after former Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal reportedly urged the Muslim world to protest in solidarity with the Palestinians and join the fight against Israel, ThePrint has learnt
“[We must] head to the squares and streets of the Arab and Islamic world on Friday,” Meshaal, who currently heads Hamas’s diaspora office, said in a recorded statement sent to Reuters.
Meshaal, who is based in Qatar, also said that the neighbouring countries of Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Egypt have a bigger duty to support the Palestinians, added the Reuters report.
Sources in Delhi Police said that the intelligence input about possible “protests and disruptions” has been shared with all police departments across the country where there is a significant Jewish presence or settlements.
“As part of the contingency planning to tackle any untoward situation, a security cordon has been established outside the Israel Embassy in New Delhi, and we are keeping a close eye on any developments around Jewish properties and their religious sites, such as Chabad House,” a source said.
An attack on an Israeli diplomat in Beijing has triggered a high alert outside the embassy in Delhi. The South China Morning Post reported Friday that a person of “non-Chinese” origin stabbed an Israel embassy staff member. According to the report, the victim is currently stable and the accused has been arrested.
“Similar instructions have also been passed on to the police forces across different states. They have been asked to be vigilant and carry out regular patrolling of sensitive areas,” the source added.
Delhi Police has also increased security at and around Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, where protests against Israel have taken place in the past.
ThePrint has also learnt that a team of Delhi Police conducted night patrolling on the street outside Jama Masjid and appealed to the people to not come from outside to offer Friday prayers at the mosque and instead choose a mosque in their respective localities.
A Delhi Police official told ThePrint on condition of anonymity that some “anti-social elements” might try to disturb the law and order situation by protesting Friday, following the Hamas call.
He added that steps have been taken as “confidence-building measures” to reassure Jewish population in Delhi that they are safe and secure.
(Edited by Richa Mishra)
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