SYDNEY: Following the deadly attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, a misinformation campaign has emerged online, falsely linking an innocent man to the incident. Australian authorities confirmed that two gunmen shot and killed 11 people at a Hanukkah gathering, while dozens more were injured. However, Israeli, Indian, and Afghan media outlets circulated the photograph of Sheikh Naveed, misidentifying him as one of the shooters.
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Sheikh Naveed, a New South Wales resident originally from Lahore, publicly rejected the claims, calling the circulation of his image a deliberate propaganda effort. “These images have no connection to the attackers identified by Australian authorities,” he said, urging the public to rely on verified Australian sources and refrain from spreading unconfirmed content. He warned that such false information damages personal reputations and fuels global misinformation.
– Opinion by Ahmed Al Arabi
The Sydney shooting took place, and Indian media, in apparent coordination with Israeli outlets, quickly constructed a narrative blaming Pakistan. A name surfaced, Naveed Akram, claimed to be Pakistani… pic.twitter.com/0Rr7VOVxp5
— The Pakistan Telegraph (@TelegraphPak) December 15, 2025
Police said the attack at Bondi Beach, one of Sydney’s busiest tourist areas, lasted several minutes and left at least 11 people dead, including one of the gunmen. Twenty-nine victims were hospitalized, including a number in critical condition. Authorities described the incident as a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community during the first day of Hanukkah.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, calling it “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.” He praised ordinary citizens who disarmed one of the shooters as “heroes.” Police also reported discovering suspected improvised explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the deceased suspect, raising concerns about potential further threats.
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Officials emphasized the importance of verifying information from credible sources, warning that unverified reports can spread confusion, inflame tensions, and unfairly target innocent individuals. The Sydney incident has prompted global attention and calls for solidarity with the city’s Jewish community.