A terror attack at one of Australia’s most popular beaches saw a tragic initial casualty count of twelve victims on Sunday. The incident at Sydney’s Bondi Beach led to two arrests, though local authorities initially indicated the event was ongoing and searched for additional armed individuals.
International media reported at least twelve people dead and twelve injured, while networks like Sky and ABC broadcast footage showing people lying on the ground. Among the twelve deceased is one of the perpetrators. Police took a second assailant into custody, and two officers sustained injuries.
Attack Details and Aftermath
According to Greek state broadcaster ERT, two armed men arrived at the beach in a van and opened fire indiscriminately on bathers. Reports suggested the shooting caused multiple casualties. The attackers fled immediately afterwards. The attack reportedly targeted an event celebrating the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah taking place at the site.
The alarm triggered a major police response, with at least 800 officers mobilising at the popular beach and across Sydney to locate the armed individuals.
Bomb Threat and Explosive Device Found
Police continued to urge the public to avoid Bondi Beach even after the two assailants were neutralised. Authorities reported a bomb threat in the area and worked to disarm what they described as an improvised explosive device (IED).
New South Wales Police posted on X, warning: “Anyone in the area should seek shelter.” Videos shared on X appeared to show people fleeing Bondi Beach as gunshots and police sirens sounded.
Official Statements and International Reaction
“The police operation is continuing, and we still call on citizens to avoid the area,” New South Wales Police posted on X. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that police fire wounded one alleged perpetrator, and officers arrested the other.
A spokesperson for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “We have been informed of an evolving security situation in Bondi. We urge people in the area to follow updates from New South Wales Police.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack while speaking at an event in Jerusalem. He charged that “our sisters and brothers in Sydney were attacked by contemptible terrorists in a very cruel attack against Jews who had gone to light the first candle for Hanukkah at Bondi Beach.”
Amir Maimon, Israel’s Ambassador to Australia, told Channel 12 News that the final death toll in Sydney would be “higher than reported.” While Maimon stated that, after speaking with Australian authorities, there was no specific intelligence regarding an imminent attack, he confirmed that warnings about the potential for terror attacks existed. Maimon added that since October 7th, they had witnessed an array of anti-Semitic acts which had “only intensified.” He publicly stated that he would not have been surprised “if I woke up one morning and learned that a Jew had suffered bodily harm.” The Ambassador concluded that he felt “shocked by this mass murder and by the Australian government’s inability to prevent it.”
(information from cnn.gr and ertnews.gr)
