Tensions are rising in Europe as anger over the Israel-Hamas war leads to increased bomb threats and concerns about hate crimes.
In the German capital Berlin, police reported four incidents in which Stars of David were painted on the doors of Jewish residents. This reflects the Nazi wartime practice of painting stars on Jewish businesses to deter people from visiting them.
London has seen an increase in reports of anti-Semitic and Islamophobic crimes since Hamas militants attacked Israeli soldiers and civilians on October 7, the Metropolitan Police said. Three Jewish schools in the British capital have been shut down over fears they could be targeted.
France, which has the largest Jewish and Muslim population in Europe, also faces growing security threats.
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French Justice Minister Eric Dupont Moretti announced on Friday that 22 judicial investigations had been opened following an increase in false bomb threats in recent days. He said many of the threats were made by “children” who did not understand how serious their actions were.
At least 11 airports in France were evacuated on Thursday following a bomb scare. Although some were granted short-term exemptions, Transport Minister Clément Beaune noted that this caused problems with flight schedules across the country, with dozens of flights canceled or delayed. He asserted that the threats were “not a bad joke, they were crimes” and said police were creating files for each threat.
In Paris, the Louvre was closed for two days and the Palace of Versailles on the outskirts of the French capital turned away visitors after threats were sent to the famous tourist destination. No incendiary devices were found, but authorities say they take all threats seriously.
A man was arrested on Wednesday in Cannes Riviera after he threatened a car dealership manager with a knife.
France has raised its terror alert level to the highest level after a teacher was stabbed to death at a school on October 13th. Investigators said there was no clear link to the Israel-Gaza conflict, but authorities described it as an Islamist terrorist attack. .
Israel and Hamas at war
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