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Sydney, Dec 15: Ten people died, and at least a dozen were hurt after two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, Australian authorities said. One suspected attacker was killed at the scene, while the other was taken to the hospital in serious condition. Among the injured were two police officers.

Police in New South Wales said 11 wounded people were admitted to nearby hospitals. The shooting unfolded on a warm summer night at one of Australia’s most crowded beaches, packed with locals and tourists.

Witnesses said the gunfire continued for about ten minutes, triggering panic as people ran across the sand and into nearby streets and parks. A man who identified himself only as Marcus said he was preparing to head home when he heard shots and fled with others, leaving his belongings behind. He estimated hearing dozens of rounds.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the incident as shocking and distressing, saying emergency teams were working through the night to save lives.

Israeli leaders strongly criticised Australia after the attack. President Isaac Herzog said Jewish people who had gathered to light the first Hanukkah candle were targeted by terrorists. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the shooting reflected rising antisemitism in Australia and urged the government to take stronger action.

Australia has seen repeated antisemitic incidents since the Gaza war began in October 2023, including attacks on synagogues, buildings and vehicles.

Alex Ryvchin, co chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the scale of the violence was unimaginable. He confirmed that his media adviser was wounded.

Muslim organisations condemned the shooting, calling it a crime with no place in society and urging full accountability. They expressed sympathy for the victims, their families and witnesses.

Mass shootings are rare in Australia, widely seen as one of the safest countries. The death toll makes this the deadliest such attack since 1996, when 35 people were killed at Port Arthur in Tasmania.

Videos shared on social media showed people fleeing amid gunshots and sirens. One clip appeared to show a man tackled and disarmed by a bystander, while another showed a shooter firing from a pedestrian bridge. Police were later seen restraining two men and attempting resuscitation. The footage could not be independently verified.

Opposition leader Sussan Ley said the nation was mourning after hateful violence struck Bondi, a place Australians know and cherish.

People’s News Monitoring Service