Hanukkah shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia; ten people killed, attackers reportedly dead

SYDNEY: Ten people killed in a shooting at a Jewish holiday event on Bondi Beach in Australia. New South Wales Police said two people are in custody in the incident. The police added that two of the dead were attackers. The shooting took place at around 6.45pm local time. The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals.

The public has been warned not to go to Bondi Beach without instructions. Police and emergency response teams are carrying out rescue operations in the area. About 50 rounds of gunfire were fired, according to those on the beach. The shots were fired by two men dressed in black. The duo continued to fire continuously as people screamed and scattered.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the incident in Bondi was shocking and distressing. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said "vile terrorists" attacked Jewish people who had gone to the beach to light the first candle of the Hanukkah holiday.

Videos of the incident are circulating on social media. Gunshots and police sirens can be heard in the video. People who have arrived at the beach can also be seen being told to leave the area. Police said they are investigating the incident. There have been reports of attacks on synagogues and buildings in Australia since the start of the Israeli war in Gaza in October 2023.