'Act Of Terror, Antisemitism': World Leaders Condemn Sydney Beach Shooting That Killed 12

Last Updated:December 14, 2025, 20:58 IST

Leaders including Narendra Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu, and Keir Starmer condemned the deadly antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah, urging global unity.

Emergency workers transport a person on a stretcher after a reported shooting at Bondi Beach (Picture credit: AP)

Leaders across the globe have condemned the deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left at least 12 people dead and several others injured.

The attack, declared as an “act of terror", prompted condemnation from national leaders, community groups, and international figures.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, addressing the nation, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it “an act of evil, antisemitism and terrorism".

“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy and celebration of faith," Albanese said. “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the attack a “ghastly terror attack". Taking to X, PM Modi expressed condolences for the loss of lives and expressed solidarity with Australia in this difficult time. “Strongly condemn the ghastly terrorist attack carried out today at Bondi Beach, Australia, targeting people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah," he said.

He also stressed India’s policy of zero-tolerance towards all forms and manifestations of terrorism. “On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We stand in solidarity with the people of Australia in this hour of grief. India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all forms and manifestations of terrorism," he added.

The Iranian foreign ministry denounced the “violent attack". “We condemn the violent attack in Sydney, Australia. Terror and killing of human beings, wherever committed, is rejected and condemned," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on X.

While condemning the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Australia of having fuelled antisemitism in the period leading up to the shooting.

“A few months ago I wrote to the Australian prime minister that your policy is pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism," AFP quoted him as saying, referring to a letter he sent to Anthony Albanese in August following Canberra’s announcement that it would recognise Palestinian statehood.

“Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders are silent," Netanyahu added during a televised public address at an event in southern Israel.

In a post on X, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said, “The Australian government must take strong action against the use of these antisemitic calls."

The US also expressed shock over the incident. In a post on X, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “Antisemitism has no place in this world. Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack “sickening" and said that “the United Kingdom will always stand with Australia and the Jewish community."

“The news that the Bondi beach attack was an antisemitic terrorist attack against Jewish families at a Chanukah event is sickening," he posted on X.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also shared a post on X saying he was left “speechless" by the mass shooting. “This is an attack on our shared values. We must put a stop to this antisemitism – here in Germany and worldwide," he said.

News world 'Act Of Terror, Antisemitism': World Leaders Condemn Sydney Beach Shooting That Killed 12

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