Police probe after beaches hit with ‘Hamas’ graffiti
A police investigation is underway after structures at some of Sydney’s most famous beaches were targeted with graffiti in the name of the proscribed terror organisation Hamas.
Hamas graffiti at Sydney’s Bronte Beach Pic: Bianca De Marchi/AAP
Multiple reports of the graffiti were reported to police later on Sunday night, when the eastern suburbs beaches of Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama were all targeted.
Workers could still be seen removing the word “Hamas”, written in black paint, from shelters at Bronte on Monday morning.
Hamas, which the Australian government has officially declared a terrorist organisation, was responsible for the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel that left about 1200 people dead and 250 taken hostage.
More than 42,000 people have been killed in Gaza during Israeli counter-attacks, according to Palestinian officials.
Local police are investigating the graffiti through a strike force set up in September following multiple incidents of malicious damage throughout the eastern suburbs.
CCTV imagery of a man has been released as officers work to find out who carried out the latest graffiti incident.
He is depicted wearing a beanie with his face obscured by a mask.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the graffiti was a continuation of an increase in intimidation against his community.
“(We) should not have to face these acts of support for a group that just carried out the mass slaughter of our brethren and has pledged to attack Jews throughout the world,” he told AAP.
“People need to think about the effect of their conduct and face consequences for their actions … we urge the authorities to investigate and put an end to this hatred.”
