Heightened Falmouth Schools Police Presence 'Out Of An Abundance Of Caution'

FALMOUTH, MA — There will be a heightened police presence at Falmouth Public Schools on Friday, officials said in a non-specific message on social media.

"At the start of school today, October 13th, families may notice the presence of police officers at our schools. We want to assure our families there are no specific threats to our schools. The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and the entire Falmouth community is our top priority," the message read.

"Our dedicated teachers, staff, and administration are working diligently to maintain a safe and supportive atmosphere for our students. We want to emphasize that these actions are being taken out of an abundance of caution, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation."

Though the district didn't share specifics about why these measures were being taken, the Falmouth Police Department took to Facebook to share that they are "aware that Hamas has designated tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 13, as 'a day of general mobilization' or a 'Day of Rage' creating additional fear amongst all of us."

To be precise, it was the former leader of Hamas who called for this action, but regardless, it has prompted similar responses from governments and their agencies across the globe.

According to the Washington Post, France has "imposed a ban on pro-Palestinian demonstrations."

In Massachusetts, Salem officials said they would up policing amid the swarm of tourists to the area.

Patch has reached out to the Falmouth Public School District and will update this story as information becomes available.

So what's happening in Gaza today?

Israel's military has issued a warning to the United Nations to evacuate 1.1 million people living in the northern part of Gaza ahead of what many believe to be the beginning of a ground invasion.

Semafor reports that over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict while an additional 1,300 Israelis have died after an attack on Israel by Hamas prompted days of airstrikes and rocket fire, leveling much of the Gaza Strip as Israel tries to wipe out the group.

The World Health Organization said the death toll would surely rise due if hospital patients were forced to evacuate out of Gaza, according to the Associated Press.

A spokesman for the WHO said in a Friday U.N. briefing that two hospitals in northern Gaza have exceeded their combined 760-bed capacity and are running low on blood in blood banks across Gaza. Dialysis solution and medications for seizures, diabetes and asthma are also in low supply, the spokesperson said.

"Hospital corridors are overflowing. Dead bodies are piling up as there is no more space in morgues,” said WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic, according to the AP.

As fighting continues in the region, U.S. organizations and universities are making contact with employees and students in the region.

In a letter to the Brandeis community on Oct. 7, President Ron Liebowitz confirmed that two current students studying in the region have been in contact with the university, and that school officials relayed that they will "support them."

Liebowitz also said that faculty are currently in the region and the university will "[monitor] the situation to help community members who may need assistance."

See Also: 3 Northeastern Students Abroad Evacuated During Hamas Attack In Israel

This story includes reporting from the Associated Press.