Hundreds of pro-Israel posters, depicting the names of the kidnapped Israeli civilians, have been placed along the Sea Point promenade to raise awareness about the Israeli victims believed to have been held hostage by Hamas.

The posters, which have been spread worldwide, have been linked to an ongoing campaign dubbed #KidnappedFromIsrael. 

But the City of Cape Town says no permission was sought to erect them. 

Conflict has erupted in Gaza after Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise attack in southern Israel, killing more than 1 000 people and injuring scores more. About 200 Israelis were abducted and held hostage after the attack.

The Sea Point posters were created and designed by a group of Israelis based in New York City, with the artists Nitzan Mintz and Dede Bandaid partnering with designers Tal Huber and Shira Gershoni.

The poster campaign has become one of the most talked about public artworks linked to the Middle East conflict.

Thousands of activists across five continents - spanning from Sydney, Australia, to major European capitals, including more than 30 states in the US, as well as South America, Asia and Africa - have erected the posters to help bring the kidnapped Israel citizens back home.

Members of the public last week laid flowers in Sea Point where the posters, containing the names of the kidnapped victims, were on display.

"The City is not aware of the said posters and can confirm that no applications have been submitted to the City for assessment and approval," Eddie Andrews, deputy mayor and mayoral committee member for spatial planning and environment, said.

Andrews said the City's Outdoor Advertising and Signage By-law required all to submit applications for outdoor signage to the City for approval prior to installation, in order to avoid punitive action and unnecessary costs.

"Compliance with the by-law applies to all. As is the case with all unauthorised posters on City-owned land, the City will remove these posters," he said. 

Israel has been retaliating against Hamas' attack, by launching its own ongoing deadly airstrikes in Gaza. The death toll has climbed to 4 651, including 1 873 children.