Officials believe two men were involved in a shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia.
By Nathan Morley
At least twelve people have been killed and several others wounded in a shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Jewish holiday celebration. Though investigations continue, police believe two men were involved in the shooting. One of the dead is thought to have been a gunman, while another suspect is in critical condition.
Investigators are examining whether a possible third assailant may have been involved. Authorities said an improvised explosive device was found at the scene but did not detonate. Officials described the situation as an ongoing police operation.
Meanwhile, the head of Australia’s Jewish community council called the attack “a tragedy that was predictable.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised emergency workers and described the mass shooting as “shocking and distressing,” noting that such incidents are rare in Australia. “The evil unleashed today at Bondi Beach is beyond comprehension,” he said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Jewish people who had gone to light the first candle of the Hanukkah holiday had been attacked by “vile terrorists”.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that “deeply distressing news is reaching us from Australia,” adding that the United Kingdom sends condolences to all those affected by the “horrific attack.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also expressed condolences, condemning violence and antisemitism and calling the assault a source of “deep sorrow.” She said Italy stands with the victims, their families, the Jewish community and the Australian people.
The German-Israeli Society said it was “deeply shaken” by the deadly attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, expressing solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Jewish communities everywhere,” society president Volker Beck said in a statement. “Even though many details still need to be investigated, one thing is already clear: antisemitism kills.”
*Numbers as of 14:00 Rome time
