Sydney U.S. Consulate Vandalized: Anti-Israel Graffiti Sprayed, Windows Smashed

The U.S. consulate in Sydney was vandalized overnight by a sledgehammer-wielding suspect, who smashed windows and spray painted anti-Israel graffiti on its doors.

The U.S. consulate in Sydney was vandalized overnight by a sledgehammer-wielding suspect, who smashed windows and spray painted anti-Israel graffiti on its doors.

The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. local time Monday in the suburbs of Australia’s largest city, drew condemnation from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

"I would just say that people should have respectful political debate and discourse," Albanese said. "Measures such as painting the U.S. Consulate do nothing to advance the cause of those who have committed what is of course a crime to damage property."

Images from the scene show inverted red triangles painted on the front of the building’s doors, a symbol that has been used by anti-Israel protesters. The CBC News also reported that the symbol has been used by Hamas to identify Israeli military targets in videos.

Nine windows of the building were reportedly damaged, and the suspect remains on the run.

"CCTV has been sourced that shows a person wearing a dark colored hoodie with their face obscured carrying what appears to be a small sledgehammer," a police spokesperson told Reuters.

A spokesperson for the consulate told Reuters that operations inside have been unaffected, and that "Australian Federal Police and New South Wales Police are investigating the incident."

The same consulate was sprayed with graffiti in April, including the words "Freee (sic) Gaza." The U.S. Consulate in Melbourne, meanwhile, was vandalized by anti-Israel agitators on May 31.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said an overwhelming majority of Australians did not approve of such vandalism.

"We can make our point in this country without resorting to violence or malicious behavior," Minns said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

* Police are examining surveillance footage of the incident, but no arrests have been made.

* The suspect faces charges of vandalism and malicious damage to property.

* The motive for the vandalism remains unclear, but authorities are investigating potential links to anti-Israel sentiment.

* The incident has sparked outrage among Australian officials and Jewish community leaders.

* The U.S. embassy in Canberra has issued a statement condemning the vandalism and calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

* The incident highlights ongoing tensions between supporters of Israel and Palestine in Australia.

* Jewish community leaders have expressed concerns about rising anti-Semitism in Australia, particularly in light of the recent violence in Israel and the Gaza Strip.

* The Australian government has pledged to crack down on hate speech and violence against Jewish Australians.