SYDNEY — Ahmed al Ahmed, the bystander who disarmed one of the gunmen during the Bondi Beach attack in Sydney, acted out of “pure conscience and humanity,” his family tells BBC News Arabic.

His father, Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, says his son did not hesitate when he saw people being attacked.

“Ahmed was driven by his sentiment, conscience and humanity when he rushed forward, stopped the gunman, and snatched his weapon,” he says.

He adds that Ahmed had been nearby “by coincidence,” having gone out with a friend for coffee, when he encountered the scene.

“He saw the victims, the blood, women and children lying on the street, and then acted,” his father says.

According to the family, Ahmed’s condition is stable, and he is awaiting further medical treatment for gunshot wounds to his shoulder and hand sustained during the attack.

In Syria, where Ahmed was born and raised, his uncle Mohamed Ahmed al Ahmed tells BBC Arabic that the family felt immense pride.

“He made us proud, our village, Syria, all Muslims and the entire world,” he says.

One of the victims of Sunday's attack on Bondi Beach was a "popular" and "extremely talented" football player, his Sydney-based football club says.

In a post on Facebook, Rockdale Ilinden FC say Dan Elkayam was the victim of the "horrendous, tragic and senseless events at Bondi Beach".

He is described as an "extremely talented and popular figure among team mates."

"Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Dan's family, friends and all that knew him."

In a post on X on Sunday, external, French President Emmanuel Macron also paid tribute to Elkayam: "I think of his family and loved ones and express to them the full solidarity of the Nation." — BBC