- At least 12 confirmed dead, including a gunman, according to media reports
- Shooting occurred at event celebrating Jewish festival of Hanukkah
- 29 hospitalised with multiple victims treated at scene
- “Shocking and distressing” – prime minister Anthony Albanese says responders working to save lives
- Bystander who tackled armed man at Bondi Beach shooting hailed as hero
- ‘I heard 40, 50 shots’: Witnesses fled Bondi Beach as gunmen targeted Jewish event
Palestintine’s ministry of foreign affairs ‘condemns’ shooting
The Palestinian ministry of foreign affairs has said it “condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attack” at Bondi Beach.
It said it rejected “all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism, which contradict humanitarian values and ethical principles”.
“The Ministry extends its sincerest condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Australia, and to the families of the victims in this sinful attack, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”
London-born rabbi named as a victim
London-born rabbi Eli Schlanger has been named as one of the victims killed in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
The father-of-five, who was assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi, a Jewish cultural centre, grew up in Temple Fortune, north London, and had family members of Kinloss synagogue in Finchley, according to Jewish News.
The 41-year-old and his wife, Chayala, celebrated the birth of their youngest child, a boy, two months ago.
His first cousin, Brighton-based Rabbi Zalman Lewis, told Jewish News: “How can a joyful rabbi who went to a beach to spread happiness and light, to make the world a better place, have his life ended in this way?
“We can only respond by doing what Eli would have wanted, what he dedicated his life to – doing more mitzvot (good deeds) and to keep spreading positive energy.”
Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has said he had warned his Australian counterpart that the country’s policies were “promoting and encouraging anti-Semitism in Australia”.
Referring to a letter he sent to Anthony Albanese in August, he wrote that the Australian Government’s “call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the anti-Semitic fire”.