World leaders condemn deadly shooting at Australia’s Bondi Beach

SYDNEY - At least 16 people were killed and 40 others wounded when gunmen opened fire during a Jewish holiday event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Dec 14, Australian officials said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the “shocking and distressing” attack, which Australian police are calling a “terrorist” incident, was “beyond comprehension” as assailants fired on a gathering celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

Mr Albanese said: “This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith.”

“At this dark moment for our nation, our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage,” he added.

Leaders of other countries around the world have condemned the deadly attack.

Britain’s King Charles

“My wife and I are appalled and saddened by the most dreadful anti-Semitic terrorist attack on Jewish people attending the Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected so dreadfully, including the police officers who were injured while protecting members of their community. We ​commend the police, emergency services ​and members of the public whose heroic actions no doubt prevented even greater horror and tragedy.”

French President Emmanuel Macron

“In Sydney, an anti-Semitic terrorist attack struck families gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. France extends its thoughts to the victims, the injured and their loved ones. We share the pain of the Australian people and will continue to fight relentlessly against anti-Semitic hatred, which hurts us all, wherever it strikes.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio

“Anti-Semitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of ‍this horrific attack, the Jewish community and the people of Australia.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

“I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hanukkah. My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day ​of Hanukkah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

“The anti-Semitic attack at ⁠Bondi Beach during Hanukkah leaves me utterly shocked. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. This is an attack on our shared values. We must fight anti-Semitism – here in Germany and around the world.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

“Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

“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. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism ​and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism.”

Palestinian Authority

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the shooting, saying it rejected “all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism, which contradict humanitarian values”.

In a statement, it voiced its “full solidarity” with “friendly Australia”.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer

“Deeply distressing news from Australia. The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi Beach.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

“Australia and New Zealand are closer than friends, we’re family. ‌I am shocked by the distressing scenes at Bondi, a place that Kiwis visit every day.

“My thoughts, and the ​thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those affected.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“A few months ago, I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister of Australia. I told him that their policies pour fuel on the anti-Semitic fire. It encourages the Jew hatred now stalking your streets. Anti-Semitism is a cancer. It spreads when leaders stay silent, and you must replace weakness with action.

“This didn’t happen in Australia, and something terrible happened there today: cold-blooded murder. The number of those murdered, sadly, grows, with each moment.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar

“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.”

Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei

“We condemn the violent attack in Sydney, Australia. The assassination and killing of human beings, wherever it occurs, is reprehensible and condemned.”

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen

“Shocked by the tragic attack at Bondi Beach. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

“Europe stands ‍with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere. We are united against violence, anti-Semitism and hatred.”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk

“My deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Anti-Semitism, wherever it ​appears, leads to acts of crime. Today, Poland stands with Australia in this moment of grief.”

Polish President Karol Nawrocki

“I express my full condemnation of the terrorist attack in Sydney. I extend my condolences to the families of the victims of this unimaginable crime.”

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares

“Horrified by the terrorist ​attack in Australia against the Jewish community. My solidarity with the victims and their loved ones, with the people and government of Australia.

“Hate, anti-Semitism and violence have no place in our ‌societies.”

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere

“I am shocked by the horrific attack at Bondi Beach, Australia, during a Jewish Hanukkah event.

“I condemn this despicable act of terror in the strongest possible terms. My deepest condolences to all those affected by today’s tragic attack.”

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson

“Appalled by the attack in Sydney, targeted against the Jewish community.

“My thoughts are with the victims and ‌their families. Together, we must fight the spread of anti-Semitism.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

In a post on social media platform X, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “horrified by the anti-Semitic terror attack”.

“Canada stands with the people of Australia and Jewish people everywhere in sorrow, and determination never to bow to terrorism, violence, hatred and intimidation,” he added. REUTERS, AFP