Security fencing around US Capitol goes up amid rising Middle East tensions

WASHINGTON (7News) — The war between Hamas and Israel has led police departments across the U.S. to be on high alert as tensions rise in the Middle East.

Overnight Friday, security barriers went up at the U.S. Capitol.

The latest information from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is that there are no credible threats to the area but as 7News has reported since this weekend, residents can expect extra patrols, especially near synagogues and mosques.

The U.S. Capitol Police added that there will be enhanced security.

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Here are the police departments in the DMV keeping up extra patrols around places of worship:

• D.C.
• Montgomery County
• Prince George's County
• Arlington County
• Fairfax County

“You’ll see marked cars around, you’ll see officers around -- on bike, on foot, in cars -- and they’ll engage the community,” said Capt. Jordan Satinsky with the Montgomery County Police Department. “And if people have questions, please go up and talk to our officers.”

The Jewish sabbath begins at sundown Friday -- a time when many people gather at synagogues to pray together. That’s why extra security measures are also happening across the country in every major city after Hamas leadership called for a "Global day of Jihad,” around the world and additional protests.

The Department of Homeland Security said it’s monitoring events as they unfold urging faith and community leaders to be alert, vigiliant and prepared.

Since Saturday, according to the Associated Press, Hamas' assault killed more than 1,300 people in Israel, including 247 soldiers and the ensuing Israeli bombardment has killed more than 1,530 people in Gaza, according to authorities on both sides. Israel says roughly 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel, and that hundreds of the dead in Gaza are Hamas members.