Australian authorities are investigating a deadly shooting during Hanukkah celebrations at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that has left at least 16 people dead and dozens injured, in what police have declared a terrorist attack.
The incident unfolded on Sunday evening when two gunmen opened fire on a gathering marking the first day of the Jewish festival.
New South Wales Police said the confirmed death toll has risen from an earlier figure of 12 to 16, including one of the attackers.
At least 40 people were injured and taken to hospitals across Sydney, police commissioner Mal Lanyon said.
One of the suspected shooters was killed during the incident, while the second has been identified as Naveed Akram.
Investigators also recovered an improvised explosive device from one of the suspect’s vehicles and are examining several other suspicious items found in and around the area.
Authorities said the attack appeared to be deliberately aimed at the Jewish community. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the shooting as a targeted act of terror and pledged a tough response to antisemitism.
“We will eradicate it,” he said, according to Bloomberg.
In the wake of the attack, security has been heightened at Hanukkah events in major cities worldwide, including Berlin, London and New York, amid fears of copycat violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the Australian government, accusing Canberra of contributing to rising antisemitism in the period leading up to the shooting.
Referring to a letter he sent to Albanese in August after Australia announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood, Netanyahu said Australia’s policies had “poured oil on the fire of antisemitism”.
Speaking at a public event in southern Israel, he warned that “antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders are silent”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Jewish families who had gathered to light the first Hanukkah candle were attacked by “vile terrorists”, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was appalled by the shooting and urged the Australian government to take stronger action against antisemitic violence.
World leaders also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Australia. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounced the “ghastly terrorist attack” and said it targeted people celebrating a religious festival.
“On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief,” he wrote on X.
Australia’s opposition leader Sussan Ley said the country was in mourning, describing the violence as having struck “at the heart of an iconic Australian community”.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident deeply distressing and extended condolences to those affected, while New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was shocked by the scenes at Bondi Beach, a location frequented by visitors from across the region.
Police said investigations are ongoing as the nation comes to terms with one of the deadliest attacks in recent Australian history.
