Israel Hamas war

Subterms

    Latest story

    250 Shares109 Views

    ‘High chance’ of terror attack at Euros with threats on ‘all fronts’, German intel chief warns amid mammoth security op

    by

    GERMANY has been bracing itself for a potential terror attack at Euro 2024 amid a mammoth security op due to possible threats on “all fronts”.Thomas Haldenwang, head of Germany’s intelligence agency has warned there is a “high chance” of a terror attack at the tournament with a number of major security concerns already taking place.Thomas Haldenwang, head of Germany’s intelligence agency has warned there is a ‘high chance’ of a terror attack at Euro 2024Credit: EPAInside the International Cooperation Center in Germany where the security crackdown is being navigated from amid a ‘high chance’ of an attackCredit: GettyOver 22,000 federal cops have been deployed across Germany to deal with any potential threatCredit: GettyA man in Hamburg was seen with an axe before a game earlier in the tournamentCredit: ReutersA pitch invader managed to get onto the pitch in the Romania versus Ukraine match on June 17Credit: ReutersIf any attacks are being planned Mr Haldenwang says the main threats could come from Islamic extremists or those with strong links to the raging war in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas.The president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution pinpointed ISIS splinter cell ISIS-K as the main “focus of attention” for any potential concerns.Since the October 7 massacre in Gaza, terror levels have soared across Europe with security groups being on high alert at almost every major event. With the Euros welcoming hundreds of thousands of fans each day to Germany, Haldenwang and his team put special measures in place to combat any threats.read more in Euro 2024Police around the country were told they couldn’t take leave during the summer of football with the federal cops deploying over 22,000 extra officers.The monumental move is the biggest mobilisation in the organisation’s history.A total of 580 international officers have also been drafted in to make up specialist security units. All of those officers are expected to be on hand for each day of the month-long event monitoring transport, fan zones and tourist hotspots. Most read in Euro 2024Cops from across the continent have also been urged to help out Germany by staying alert for any potential suspects at borders and train stations before they enter.UEFA, European football’s governing body, expects over 2.7 million fans to rock up to Germany across ten cities.Turkey vs Georgia Euro 2024 clash at risk of postponement as TWO waterfalls flood from roof and violence breaks outBefore the tournament got underway, security expert Will Geddes told The Sun about Germany’s plan to use a robust ring of steel made up of thousands of armed cops to shield against potential attacks.The UEFA Euro 2024 championship presents a “wide spectrum of potential risks and issues” amid a “very high level of risk” from ISIS, he warned.Will explained that the country’s special forces, intelligence services and armed police will be called up to help prepare for and defend against any possible attacks.Crowds will be monitored closely under widespread CCTV, AI, the watchful eye of “super spotters” and plain-clothed officers, he said.Euro 2024 security worries
    PITCH INVASION
    On Monday 17, a fan managed to run on the pitch before being dragged off by security in Romania’s 3-0 thumping of Ukraine.
    The supporter, who was wearing a yellow t-shirt, appeared from the stand behind the goal before a Ukraine corner.
    He managed to get to Romanian star Nicolae Stanciu, but was swiftly whisked away by stewards.
    CLASH IN THE STANDS
    Turkey’s Euro 2024 clash with Georgia descended into chaos before kick-off after fights broke out in the stands as water poured from the roof.
    Footage from the Westfalenstadion in Dortmund showed rain from a storm drenching seats by the pitch.
    Around the same time, crowd violence began to erupt inside the ground between the two sets of fans.
    Objects were reportedly thrown between two sections as fighting ensued.
    The scene was described as “absolute bedlam” by journalist Daniel Storey with fears the game could be suspended.
    A small section of supporters from both sides could be seen throwing punches and pushing.
    CRAZED AXEMAN
    Last week, shocking footage showed a man with a golden pickaxe walking towards cops with a Molotov cocktail.
    Police were forced to draw their guns and deploy pepper spray moments before the suspect was arrested on the streets of Hamburg.
    The Reeperbahn strip, not far from where thousands of Dutch supporters were gathering to watch their match against Poland, was quickly closed off to the public.
    ARRESTING TERROR SUSPECTS
    Pre-tournament German cops announced that they had arrested a suspected ISIS terrorist while he was trying to sneak his way into the Euros.
    Anti-terror investigators caught Soufian T, 23, who is said to have applied to get a pass as a security guard for “side events” outside the football stadium.
    Cops from the Cologne police department, along with investigators from the Bonn State Security Service and federal police, arrested the German-Moroccan-Polish citizen with his mother and sister at Cologne-Bonn Airport.
    TRANSPORT CHAOS
    Organisers of the Euros have already been heavily criticised during the early stages of the tournament amid transport chaos.
    Following England’s win over Serbia on Sunday, some Three Lions fans were stranded in Gelsenkirchen for up to THREE HOURS.
    Bogestra, responsible for transport in Gelsenkirchen, claimed that “it is normal to wait” when 50,000 people are trying to get home.
    They added that their concept “worked overall”, and that their target was to get everybody transported within two hours of the final whistle.
    Bogestra also claimed that social media “overrated” the issues, and that it is “impossible” to have all fans moved within an hour.
    They alleged that fans used emergency brakes before the game, which led to some of the delays.

    Working with analysts who have experience in military, intelligence and law enforcement, Will’s team have seen ISIS make “very specific references to Germany”.The prolific death cult has hurled out repeated threats against events like the Euros, Champions League and Paris Olympics in recent months.Germany’s interior minister Nancy Faeser told 350 foreign cops dispatched to help ahead of the event that the focus of security will be “above all on the threat of Islamist terrorism”.It has also been revealed that fans who feel “unsafe” or “threatened” during the tournament have been urged to say “Panama” to police or staff to get help.Competition organisers in Gelsenkirchen – where England faced Serbia on Sunday – sent out the message to fans.READ MORE SUN STORIESUpon hearing the word Panama staff are meant to “immediately offer the possibility of a place to retreat”.There is also a specialist Panama team at games who are “a multilingual, multi-professional team trained in crisis intervention, non-violent communication and de-escalation”.’Acute’ terrorist threat across Europe
    By Jessica Baker, Foreign News Reporter
    THE threat of terrorism to the security of Europe is “acute”, the EU’s law enforcement agency has warned.
    Europol said the top concern of EU countries is “jihadist terrorism” and foreign terrorist fighters who travel from conflict zones.
    Some fear the terror group ISIS could be looking to leverage conflict in the Middle East to launch a fresh of attacks across Europe.
    Ten jihadist attacks have been foiled by cops in Europe in the past 12 months alone, according to Dutch intelligence agency AIVD.
    The agency claimed attacks planned and intercepted included stabbing rampages at major events and assaults on specific groups and venues.
    Israel’s spy agency meanwhile alleged Iranian terror cells are plotting attacks across the continent ahead of the Paris Olympics.
    The Olympics chief has promised a ring of steel at the Games’ opening ceremony and insisted “security is the priority” to ensure the safety of an expected 15 million fans and more than 10,000 athletes.

    An ISIS poster shows an armed terrorist about to exit a German train with a sign that reads ‘Welcome to Europe’Credit: ISISAnother pitch invader was seen on the pitch in the Ukraine match going up to playersCredit: AFPRiot police have been spotted across the country keeping a close eye on football fans in case of any security breachesCredit: Getty More

    More stories

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Fury as footie fan spotted wearing Man Utd shirt with ‘Hamas 7’ printed on back

      by

      A FOOTIE fan wearing a Manchester United shirt with Hamas 7 on the back has sparked fury.A Jewish man saw the top worn in London’s Oxford Circus on Friday — a day before the team won the FA Cup final.A football fan wearing a Manchester United shirt with Hamas 7 on the back has sparked furyCredit: SWNSA witness fears the number might reference terror attacks against Israel on October 7Credit: SWNSThe witness, who wants to remain anonymous, fears the number might reference terror attacks against Israel on October 7 which killed 1,139.He said: “It was un­believable. I followed the man for two minutes and took photos.“I think he was aware but didn’t seem to care.”He doubted Hamas was the fan’s name.READ MORE ON MAN UNITEDIt is illegal to show support for the banned group.Cops are trying to identify the shirt wearer.Man Utd does not allow political slogans on its shirts.Hamas is a prescribed terrorist organisation in the UK, and was responsible for killing 1,139 people and taking 250 Israeli hostages on October 7, 2023.Most read in FootballMembership and expressing support for Hamas is an illegal act in the UK and punishable by up to 14 years in prison.A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “On Friday, 24 May police received a call from a member of the public reporting that a man was walking in Oxford Street, W1 wearing a football shirt with an offensive message on it.’Palestine will never die’ Anti-Israel demos rock cities across US with 100 protesters arrested”Enquiries are under way to try and identify the man.”Cops are trying to identify the shirt wearer, snapped at London’s Oxford CircusCredit: SWNS More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Israeli footballer Sagiv Jehezkel charged in Turkey after goal celebration marks 100 days since Hamas terror attack

      by

      TURKISH authorities have charged Israeli football player Sagiv Jehezkel with inciting hatred after he marked 100 days since Hamas’ October 7 attacks during a match on Sunday.Jehezkel, 28, could face deportation after Turkey’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc dubbed the act an “ugly gesture”.
      Israeli football player Sagiv Jehezkel – displaying a bandage that read ‘100 days 7.10’Credit: AFP
      Jehezkel is a midfielder for Turkish club AntalyasporCredit: AP
      After scoring a goal the footballer displayed a bandage on his wrist which read “100 days 7.10” in reference to the grim milestone in the Israel-Hamas war.
      He was then arrested and later charged with “openly inciting the public to hatred and hostility”.
      Antalyaspor said they had terminated his contract and booted him from the team following the display during Sunday’s match.
      Tunc said on Sunday that Jehezkel, who plays for Turkish club Antalyaspor, had performed an “ugly gesture in support of the Israeli massacre in Gaza”.
      Reports suggest he has since been released from police custody but could be deported to Israel.
      The player told Antalyaspor officials he was calling for an end to the war.
      He said: “I decided to make a humanitarian tribute to the Israeli hostages in Gaza.
      “It was important for me to emphasize that they have been in captivity for 100 days.
      Most read in Football
      “I had no intention to provoke or express a stance on the matter. I understand the sensitivity in Turkey; it was purely a tribute.”
      There is widespread opposition in Turkey to Israel’s actions in Gaza, as the international community has called for Netanyahu to ease military action in the war-torn Strip.
      The Turkish Football Federation dubbed it a gesture that “disturbed the conscience” of the public.
      Jehezkel’s arrest sparked outrage in Israel, with former Israeli PM Naftali Bennet writing on X/Twitter: “Shame on you, Turkish government”.
      And Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant has accused Turkey of acting as the “executive arm of Hamas” following the decision.
      He dubbed the move an “expression of hypocrisy and ingratitude”.
      “When the earth shook in Turkey less than a year ago, Israel was the first country to stand up and extend aid that saved the lives of many Turkish citizens,” Gallant said, referring the earthquake in Turkey and Syria last year.
      “The scandalous arrest of the footballer Sagiv Jehezkel is an expression of hypocrisy and ingratitude.
      “In its actions, Turkey serves as the executive arm of Hamas.”
      Television channel NTV said he is expected to return to Israel today with his family on a private jet.
      DHA said he told Turkish cops he is “not pro-war”, but that he wants the war to end.
      Jehezkel also added: “Throughout my time in Turkey, I never expressed any stance on the matter.
      “When the club’s officials informed me about a ceremony commemorating the casualties in Gaza before a match in Gaziantep and allowed me not to attend, I stayed in Antalya, and everything was fine.
      “In essence, I drew half a heart and wrote the number 100. It wasn’t intended as a provocation; quite the opposite.
      !It’s about empathy for captives who have been there for so many days. I insisted throughout my time to stay focused solely on soccer.”
      Israel’s foreign minister Israel Katz also said: “Whoever arrests a football player for a show of solidarity with 136 captives who are more than 100 days with the terrorists of a murderous terrorist organization, represents a culture of murder and hate.”
      As Sunday marked 100 days since Hamas’ brutal October 7 attacks, Israel released a huge amount of data on its efforts to wipe out the terror organisation.
      It said over 9,000 Hamas terrorists had been killed since October 7, along with around 1,000 terrorists inside Israel.
      Meanwhile the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has said that over 23,000 Palestinian civilians have died during the war.
      Israel disputes these figures, while US President Joe Biden previously said he had “no confidence” in them.
      But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that Israel has “not been successful” in reducing civilian casualties.
      Israel has faced repeated international calls to relent in it’s attacks on the Gaza Strip.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Calls from the UN for a ceasefire have been echoed by religious leaders including the Pope and even it’s staunchest ally, the US, has warned caution.
      But Israeli forces have said that months of fighting lie ahead. More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Stadium on high alert as Israel prepares to take on Kosovo in Euro 2024 qualifier in first match since Gaza war

      by

      ISRAEL’S footballers are on high alert as they gear up for their Euro 2024 qualifier clash with Kosovo as calls grow to cancel the match.It would Israel’s first international fixture since its war with Hamas broke out over a month ago and local police are fearful of possible security threats.
      Israel’s players applaud their fans at the end of the Euro 2024 qualifying soccer match in SeptemberCredit: AP
      The game will be their first international fixture post the October 7 attacksCredit: AFP
      Local police are on high-alert for possible incidents erupting over Israeli’s military campaign in GazaCredit: EPA
      Police in Kosovo’s capital of Pristina said that they have been “increasing security measures” so that the game “goes as smoothly as other sport events”.
      Dozens of messages criticising Israel’s military campaign in Gaza are circulating across social media under the hashtag #BabyKillersAreNotWelcomedHere.
      Kosovo authorities have already tightened security around Sunday’s game by announcing that each of the 14,000 tickets will be personalised.
      This means that only fans that present both tickets and their ID cards will be allowed into the Fadil Vokrri stadium.
      read more on israel-hamas war
      The Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) also admitted that they considered holding the game in an empty stadium over security reasons.
      “After the meeting with UEFA, the decision was made to play the game with spectators,” Agim Ademi, the chairman of the FFK said.
      The official Kosovo national team fan group called Dardanet has urged the crowd to focus on “support of our national team” and pleaded with them not to indulge in offensive chants.
      “By respecting the rules, we respect our country,” Dardanet said in a statement.
      Most read in Football
      The game was originally scheduled to take place on October 15 but was postponed due to the October 7 attacks when Hamas terrorists poured over the border into Israel and slaughtered 1,200 Israelis.
      More than 11,000 Palestinians – many of them children – have since been killed across the Gaza Strip in Israel’s retaliatory bombardments and ground offensive, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
      After the conflict began, several marches in support of Palestinians in Gaza were organised in Pristina, while Israeli victims were also honoured.
      Although a vast majority of Kosovo’s citizens are Muslim, it considers itself the most pro-US state in the world and firmly follows its most important ally’s foreign policy.
      In 2016, Kosovo police helped thwart potential simultaneous attacks from the Islamic State terror group on the Israeli football squad that was playing World Cup qualifiers in Kosovo and Albania.
      Nineteen people were detained, while eight ended up behind bars for up to 10 years.
      Israel are currently third in Euro 2024 qualifying Group I, five points behind leaders Romania, and retain a good chance of making it through to next year’s finals in Germany.
      Following the clash in Pristina, Israel will play second-placed Switzerland next Wednesday and Romania on Saturday.
      Kosovo are four points further back in fourth.
      Meanwhile in the UK, the Met police are bracing themselves for possible confrontations erupting during this weekend’s remembrance commemorations.
      The Cenotaph war memorial will be kept under a 24-hour police guard for the first time as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appealed for calm.
      Read More on The Sun
      Sunak last night urged everyone to “stand together in quiet reflection” and said the weekend should be about “the selfless bravery of our armed forces”.
      The Met have drafted in 1,000 extra officers as they fear extreme right-wing groups are planning to square up to the 100,000 expected pro-Palestine demonstrators in central London.
      The stadium has put in extra security measures to hamper any threatsCredit: Getty
      Tens of thousands are on the move in northern Gaza as they flee the intense fightingCredit: Getty
      Entire neighbourhoods inside the Strip have been levelled by Israel’s bombardmentCredit: AFP
      More than 11,000 are said to have been killed in Gaza including over 4000 childrenCredit: AFP More