New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday strongly condemned the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, which targeted people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
In his statement, the Prime Minister said he was deeply shocked by the attack and expressed condolences on behalf of the people of India to the families who lost their loved ones. He said India stands with the people of Australia in this hour of grief.
Reiterating India’s position, PM Modi said the country has zero tolerance for terrorism and supports the fight against all forms of terrorism. S Jaishankar also condemned the incident.
Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also condemned the incident. In a post on X, he wrote, “We strongly condemn the terrorist attack on the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia. Our condolences are with the victims and their families.” Attack at Jewish event
Earlier, Australian authorities confirmed that two gunmen shot more than 10 people at a Jewish event being held at Bondi Beach on Sunday and declared the incident a terrorist attack. Police shot dead one gunman at the scene, while the other was arrested. Authorities said the suspect is in critical condition.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said at least 29 people were injured, including two police officers. He further added that the death toll is still “uncertain” as injured people are still arriving at hospitals.
Jewish community targeted
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said, “This attack was carried out to target Sydney’s Jewish community.” Lanyon said authorities declared the massacre a terrorist attack based on the nature of the incident, the weapons used, and the target. Hundreds of people had gathered at Bondi Beach for an event called Chanukah by the Sea to mark the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah when the shooting began. Emergency services were called to Campbell Parade after reports of shots being fired at approximately 6:45 pm.
