ISIS has urged its supporters to carry out arson attacks targeting churches and synagogues worldwide during the Easter weekend.
According to reports, the group called for assaults across multiple regions—including the United States, Europe, Russia, the UAE, Syria, Tunisia, and Morocco—framing the attacks as retaliation for the closure of the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
In a recent issue of its al-Naba publication, the group also encouraged violence during the Jewish holiday of Passover, which began yesterday and runs through next Thursday.
These warnings follow Israel’s decision to close the al-Aqsa Mosque in late February, with authorities extending the closure through mid-April.
The Express reports: Lucas Webber, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst at Tech Against Terrorism, told the Daily Express: “The editorial weaves together conflicts in Iraq and Palestine with apocalyptic imagery that frames all opposition as part of a single cosmic battle. Through this narrative, the group calls on individuals everywhere to act independently, portraying violence as an expression of faith rather than command.
“This decentralized, internet-based strategy poses particular risks in Western settings, where online radicalization can quickly transform into isolated acts of violence. The editorial’s timing and references to Jerusalem, persecution, and divine obligation align with religious symbolism surrounding Easter, a period often marked by large gatherings and heightened public visibility. Such timing increases the potential impact of any calls for action inspired by its message.”
Today marks 34 days since the Israeli occupation closed the mosque to worshippers over what they described as security concerns amid the war with Iran.
Israel declared a nationwide state of emergency and prohibited mass gatherings, including at holy sites.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the closure of the mosque, which previously remained open since 1967, as extremist settlers called to access the site to hold rituals for Passover, WAFA News Agency reports.
ISIS’ latest call to violence comes as a detention camp for tens of thousands of people linked to the group has been largely emptied due to the shocking number of escapes.
A Syrian government official told Sky News al Hol camp in northeastern Syria is almost empty after the state took control of the site.