SHAH ALAM - Thousands of crows were seen swarming the skies above Tel Aviv this week, creating a dramatic spectacle that quickly spread across social media and sparked widespread speculation online.
Videos showed crows circling high-rise buildings, including the prominent Azrieli Towers, forming dark, shifting clouds over the city skyline.
Many viewers described the scene as unsettling, with some interpreting it as a warning sign amid heightened tensions in the region.
According to the British newspaper Daily Mail, some social media users labelled the phenomenon a "harbinger of doom", linking it to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran.
Others drew references to religious texts, including the Book of Revelation, suggesting the mass gathering of birds carried symbolic meaning.
However, scientists have pushed back against such claims, explaining that the sight was part of a natural and recurring migration pattern.
Israel lies along one of the world’s busiest bird migration routes, with experts estimating that hundreds of millions of birds pass through the region each year, particularly during the spring season.
Meanwhile, researchers noted that hooded crows, a species commonly found in urban parts of Israel, often gather in large numbers during nesting periods or seasonal shifts.
Such movements are not unusual, especially around March, when flocks may relocate due to environmental changes or disturbances.
It was reported that despite these explanations, the unusual scale of the gathering continued to fuel debate online, with some users invoking ancient beliefs, including interpretations tied to warfare.
The viral footage also comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
As reported by NBC News, more than 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division have been authorised for deployment to the region by United States President Donald Trump, while diplomatic efforts with Iran remain ongoing but uncertain.
The conflict has already resulted in significant casualties across multiple countries, with thousands reported killed as the situation enters its fourth week.