At least ten people were killed and twelve sustained injuries after armed assailants opened fire on civilians at Bondi Beach in Sydney, marking one of Australia’s deadliest public attacks in recent years.
According to foreign media reports, two armed men began firing indiscriminately at people gathered along the beach, causing panic, chaos, and scenes of horror among families and visitors present.
Police confirmed that emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes, while injured victims were shifted to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment and trauma care.
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Authorities immediately cordoned off Bondi Beach and urged residents and tourists to stay away, citing security concerns and an ongoing investigation into the deadly shooting.
Australian police have not yet released the identities of the attackers, but confirmed that counterterrorism units are assisting local law enforcement in examining possible motives behind the attack.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar linked the incident to rising extremism, describing the shooting as a result of what he termed “antisemitic rampages” occurring in Australia over recent years.
Saar said calls to “globalise the intifada” had now manifested violently, warning that repeated signals of growing hatred were ignored by authorities until tragedy struck.
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He urged the Australian government to reassess its approach, stating that warning signs were present and stronger preventive measures should have been taken earlier.
Shooting was at a Jewish event on beach, Sky News reports
Media reports, including Sky News, said the shooting occurred during a Jewish community event held at the beach to celebrate Hanukkah, a significant religious festival.
Alex Ryvchin, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, confirmed the gathering was a peaceful community celebration marking a joyous occasion.
“This was the Jewish community at its best, coming together to celebrate faith and togetherness,” Ryvchin said during an interview following the tragic incident.
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He added that if the group was deliberately targeted, it represented a level of violence previously unimaginable for the community and the country.
Ryvchin further revealed that his media advisor was among those injured in the shooting, highlighting the personal toll of the violence on community leaders.
