Hamas declares a 'digital jihad'

Militant Islamic group Hamas has declared a digital jihad against Jewish websites - urging followers to spend the next three days causing electronic mayhem.

According to a report on Reuters, two websites which are linked to Hamas are behind the latest cyber-incursion, encouraging would-be Islamic hackers to turn on Jewish sites. One of the two sites, which are both written in Arabic, even includes helpful 'how to' tips for those with the inclination but not the knowledge to hack.

Rabbi Abraham Cooper, from the Simon Wiesenthal Centre which monitors anti-Semitic websites and publications, told Reuters: "We have had numerous hackings back and forth between Israeli and Islamic sites since the Intifada began two years ago.

"But this is something we have not seen in some time. There seems to be an entire portion of a website which is devoted to a 'how to' get involved in that kind of activity."

The three-day campaign coincides with the start of the Jewish Hanukkah festival of lights.