Police criticised following Bondi Beach brawl over Gaza
Police have come under scrutiny after failing to take the names of those involved in a scuffle at Bondi Beach on Sunday morning, only to later issue photographs of men they say may be able to assist with enquiries.
The clash broke out around 9am, around two hours before a planned pro-Palestinian paddle-out organised by Jews Against the Occupation 48. Pro-Israel organisation StandWithUs Australia had organised a peaceful counter-demonstration on the promenade overlooking the beach. Many media reports have inaccurately implied that the scuffle happened in the middle of the counter-protest.
Photos of those wanted to assist with police enquiries in relation to the scuffle (NSW Police)
Witnesses said a group of pro-Palestinian activists tried to move others away from the promenade, sparking shoving and punches as pro-Israel supporters began to arrive.
Uniformed officers and the Public Order and Riot Squad moved in quickly to separate the groups; however, no arrests were made, and details of those involved were not collected at the time.
Two days later, NSW Police released images of three men described as persons of interest, urging the public to help identify them. The move has raised questions about why police did not record the names of those caught up in the melee while on the scene.
The protest itself drew around 150 pro-Palestinian supporters onto the sand for a Father’s Day paddle-out, while more than 2,000 pro-Israel demonstrators gathered on the promenade waving flags, singing and chanting.
Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh called the paddle-out provocative given Bondi’s large Jewish population and the absence of a permit. Premier Chris Minns condemned the violence as “not for Australia” but reaffirmed the right to peaceful protest.
Michael Gencher of StandWithUs Australia insisted the large pro-Israel turnout was overwhelmingly peaceful, describing it as “a community coming together to answer deliberate provocation with light and dignity.”
He said media reports had overstated the brawl and ignored the broader picture of thousands standing calmly and proudly. He also stated that the media failed to report the many offensive taunts from the pro-Palestinian group, including “Death to the IDF”.
The showdown is the latest in a string of demonstrations since Hamas stormed Israel’s south on October 7 last year, killing more than 1,200 people and seizing about 250 hostages. Police say investigations into the Bondi Beach clash are continuing.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
