Australia's Bondi beach terror attack: 12 killed, dozens injured in shooting at Jewish Hanukkah celebration

Sydney (The Uttam Hindu) : The death toll in the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, Australia, has been revealed. News agency Xinhua, citing local media, reported that at least 12 people were killed in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday.

Police have confirmed that several people have died, and two are in custody. The shooting occurred as members of the Jewish community were celebrating Hanukkah in the evening. Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, celebrated over eight days. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, at least 16 people were taken to hospital and others were being treated at the scene. Locals say they heard up to 50 rounds of gunfire. People were lying on the ground near Campbell Parade.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed regret over the incident, saying, "The scenes in Bondi are shocking and disturbing. Police and emergency responders are working at the scene to save lives. My thoughts are with everyone affected. I have just spoken to the AFP Commissioner and the NSW Premier. We are working with NSW Police and will provide further updates as more information becomes available. I urge anyone nearby to follow NSW Police information."

The patients were taken away in ambulances

The incident occurred around 6:30-6:45 p.m. local time, when hundreds of people were present on the beach. The mass shooting occurred during the "Chanukah by the Sea" event, held on the first day of Hanukkah (the Jewish festival). Eyewitnesses reported that two men dressed in black arrived and opened fire. Between 12 and 50 rounds of gunfire were heard. Police immediately launched an operation and detained two suspects.

According to the Sydney Sunday Morning Herald, one attacker was shot by police. The other attacker was arrested. The area has been completely cordoned off. People have been advised to seek shelter and stay away from the area. Helicopters and ambulances have been deployed.