Ten killed in shooting near Jewish gathering in Australia's Sydney
Canberra, Dec 14
At least 10 people, including one gunman, have been killed and 12 others are injured after a shooting incident near a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach in Australia's Sydney on Sunday evening (local time), local media reported, citing police.
A second shooter is among the injured and has been taken into custody, ABC News reported.
Police have said that people still need to avoid Bondi Beach, despite the two shooters having been neutralised. According to police, there is an ongoing bomb threat in the area, and they are working to disarm what they have termed an improvised explosive device (IED), local media reported.
In a statement, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has termed the scenes in Bondi "shocking and distressing."
He stated that he has spoken to the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner and New South Wales (NSW) Premier and urged people to follow information shared by NSW police.
In a statement shared on X, Albanese stated, "The scenes in Bondi are shocking and distressing. Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected. I have just spoken to the AFP Commissioner and with the NSW Premier. We are working with the NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information is confirmed. I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the NSW Police."
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said that he is "appalled" by the shooting attack and called the incident the result of "an anti-semitic rampage" in the streets of Australia over the past two years.
"I'm appalled by the murderous shooting attack at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia. These are the results of the anti-Semitic rampage in the streets of Australia over the past two years, with the anti-Semitic and inciting calls of 'Globalise the Intifada' that were realised today. The Australian government, which received countless warning signs, must come to its senses!" Gideon Sa'ar posted on X.
Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory also shared a statement on X, stating, "What happened tonight is a tragedy but entirely foreseeable. The Albanese government was warned so many times, but failed to take adequate action to protect the Jewish community. Tonight, many Jews are pondering whether they have a future in Australia. Our thoughts are with our community and all the impacted, some of whom we are close to."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Very disturbing news. It's a reminder that terrorism and hate have no borders. Australia has always been seen as a safe, multicultural society. Hope the authorities get to the root of this and ensure the safety of all communities.
The Israeli minister's statement is very strong. While the attack is condemnable, linking it directly to protests over the last two years seems like a political statement. The focus should be on the victims and investigation, not geopolitics.
As an Indian who has family in Sydney, this is terrifying. We chose countries like Australia for safety and opportunity. When will this madness end? Praying for everyone's safety there.
The mention of an IED is chilling. This seems like a planned attack, not a random act. Security agencies worldwide need to share intelligence better. No community should live in fear like this.
Respectfully, the Australian Jewish Association's statement feels a bit harsh on their own government in the immediate aftermath. The PM has rightly termed it shocking. Let the police do their job first and provide all support. Unity is needed now, not blame.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.