Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for calm and respectful discourse following the vandalism of the U.S. Consulate in Sydney amid the Israel-Palestine conflict.
CCTV footage showed a person in a dark hoodie using a sledgehammer to smash windows and painting symbols of Palestinian resistance on the building.
Albanese emphasised that such actions are criminal and do not advance any cause. The consulate, closed for a public holiday, will reopen on Tuesday.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemned the vandalism, stressing that Australians can express their views without violence.
1. Vandalism Incident
The U.S. Consulate in Sydney was vandalised, with windows smashed and symbols of Palestinian resistance painted on the building.
2. Call for Calm
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged activists to engage in respectful political debate and reduce tensions.
3. CCTV Evidence
Footage showed a person using a sledgehammer to damage the consulate’s reinforced glass windows.
4. Consulate Closure
The consulate was closed on Monday for a public holiday but is set to reopen on Tuesday.
5. Political Statements
Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemned the vandalism, emphasising that it does not contribute to resolving the conflict.
6. Previous Incidents
The Sydney consulate had been sprayed with graffiti in April, and the U.S. Consulate in Melbourne was also vandalized by pro-Palestinian activists on May 31.