Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach was the site of a shocking terrorist attack during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, leaving 15 people dead and 30 others injured.
One of the perpetrators was killed at the scene, while the other was arrested. Authorities have identified the attackers as Australians of Algerian and Pakistani origin, one of whom had previously been known to security services. Israel has pointed to several possible external actors, including Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah.
Initial reports indicate that the first attacker, of Algerian origin, holds Australian citizenship. The second, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, is a Pakistani immigrant from Bonnyrigg, a suburb of Sydney. Israeli sources suggest that his actions may have been influenced by Iran’s “Quds Force.”
Australian police discovered a crude improvised explosive device near the shooting site, and witnesses reported that the attackers had placed a black flag with a symbol on their vehicle before carrying out the assault, reports Al-Rai daily quoting reliable sources.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that one of the attackers was on security services’ radar but did not pose an immediate threat. New South Wales Premier Chris Mainz stated the attack “was deliberately aimed at the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah,” which was being celebrated by roughly 1,000 people.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon added, “We found an improvised explosive device in a car linked to the attacker who was killed.”
The Australian Federal Council of Imams condemned the “horrific” act, calling on all Australians, including the Muslim community, to unite in compassion and solidarity.
The Grand Mufti of Australia and New Zealand, Ibrahim Abu Mohammed, denounced the attack as a “terrorist and senseless act.” Several Western and Arab nations also condemned the violence.
In Israel, public reaction was fierce. President Isaac Herzog called it a “truly horrific attack carried out by evil terrorists,” while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as “cold-blooded murder.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed shock at an attack stemming from a wave of anti-Semitic incidents in Australia over the past two years.
