Public security forces globally are deploying additional presence in cities across the US and the world after former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal urged supporters of Palestine to protest against what they perceived as Israel's illegal occupation.
Many observers and reporters named this call to action a "Day of Rage" or a "Day of Jihad."
Here is how some countries are responding to Hamas's call to protest.
Arab/Muslim World: Protests Left and Right
Many nations that have a predominantly Muslim population have heeded Meshaal's call to take to the streets after Friday prayers.
"Send a message from the streets and squares," he said in a televised call earlier this week. "A message of rage that we stand with Palestine, Gaza, Al-Aqsa mosque, and Jerusalem, and that we are part of this battle."
He also called for Arabs to participate in a "jihad" by making donations to support Hamas, The Messenger reported.
As of writing, there were confirmed reports of rallies taking place in Baghdad and Sanaa.
Jordanian riot police were also deployed to disperse hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters trying to reach a border area as thousands of others held anti-Israel demonstrations throughout the country.
France and China: Knife Crimes
A school teacher in Arras in northeastern France has been stabbed to death by a 20-year-old Chechen man named Mohamed Mogouchkov. French police have also said two others were also injured.
It was alleged that Mogouchkov stabbed the teacher while shouting the Islamic war cry "Allahu Akhbar." He was arrested at the scene shortly after.
French news site AFP reported that Mogouchkov was said to have been under close scrutiny by French authorities for suspicion of radical extremism that he was both wiretapped and subjected to physical surveillance.
Despite these precautions, it was claimed that he still managed to launch an attack without being interdicted.
Earlier this week, French police shut down a pro-Palestinian rally in Paris by deploying teargas and water cannons to disperse protesters, who took to the streets despite a national ban issued by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.
Meanwhile, an Israeli embassy staffer was attacked in broad daylight in Beijing. The assailant, who wore a matching white shirt and pants and was armed with a knife, has yet to be identified and apprehended.
The staffer, which the Israeli foreign ministry has not named, was taken to hospital and is now in a stable condition.
It was alleged that a video of the incident was purportedly shared on Chinese social media. Investigation regarding the stabbing is underway.
Germany: President Steinmeier Calls October 13 'Day of Fear'
In Berlin, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke at the Fraenkelufer synagogue on Friday in solidarity with the Jews of Germany on what he called a "day of fear" after Hamas's call to action.
Steinmeier was flanked by community members, including some holding posters depicting people missing in Israel.
"[M]y place today is among you," he said. "At this time, I represent our whole nation at the side of our threatened compatriots, at the side of all Jews in Germany."
US: Coast-to-Coast Law Enforcement Visibility
Places across the US are on high alert, with major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington reportedly enhancing security around both Jewish and Muslim sites since the beginning of the war.
In particular, armed police have been augmented to assure the safety of Jews as Hamas called for Muslims the world over to protest. U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department have also been visible across Washington, including the deployment of fences around the US Capitol building, as per Fox News.
"We are enhancing security throughout the Capitol Complex," Capitol Police said in a statement. "Some of what we are doing will be visible, but for safety reasons, we cannot provide the public details about all of the resources that we are putting into protecting the Congress."
The New York City Police Department also said Thursday night (October 12) that it has "increased our uniform deployments at large gatherings and cultural sites to ensure public safety." Additionally, the Los Angeles Police Department said the same day that it is assessing the situation as well.
Elsewhere, the FBI told reporters on Thursday that it was aware of Hamas's call for global action that might lead to demonstrations in communities throughout the country.
"We are working closely with our law enforcement partners across the country to share information and identify and disrupt any threats that may emerge," it said.
