Sydney, December 14, 2025 - Total News Agency (TNA) - Australia is in a state of shock following a massive shooting attack at Bondi Beach, which was the scene of a public celebration of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, this Sunday. The attack left at least twelve people dead and 29 injured, including two police officers, according to local authorities.
Authorities have requested the public to avoid the Bondi area while the operation is stabilized and the investigation is completed. Preliminary investigations have also indicated the possible presence of improvised explosive devices linked to the attack, which are being examined by a specialized squad.
The shooting occurred in the afternoon during the "Chanukah by the Sea" event, a family gathering that attracted hundreds of attendees near the Bondi Beach Park Playground, when two armed men began firing into the crowd, causing panic and a stampede. According to the latest official count, the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, and in the police response operation, one of the presumed terrorists died at the scene, while the second was detained in critical condition after being wounded by security forces.
Testimonies collected by international media outlets describe scenes of terror and confusion as multiple gunshots were heard and people sought shelter or fled the area. A video widely shared on social media showed a civilian confronting one of the shooters and disarming him, an act that local media described as heroic amidst the chaos.
Official reactions and condemnations Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the event as an "evil act of antisemitism and terrorism" that strikes "at the heart of the nation" and convened an urgent security cabinet meeting to coordinate the state's response and strengthen measures against hate and violence.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns emphasized that the attack was "designed to target the Jewish community" and called for calm, urging not to give in to fear or social division.
The international community also expressed unanimous rejection. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the massacre a "vile terrorist attack against Jews gathered for Hanukkah" and demanded firm action from the Australian government against the rise of antisemitism, a claim that has gained political and social traction in recent years.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack as an "atrocious and lethal act" against families gathered for a festival of peace, while European leaders, including the United Kingdom and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, sent condolences and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
Religious and community organizations, including the Australian National Imams Council, also repudiated the violence and called for unity among all sectors of society to reject hate and discrimination.
Impact and security The New South Wales Police stated that the terrorist threat level remains "probable" and that emergency services continue to work at the scene, securing the area and assisting the injured who have been transported to local hospitals.
