‘Strongly condemn ghastly terrorist attack’: PM Modi on Bondi Beach shooting, asserts zero tolerance towards terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the terrorist incident at Sydney’s Bondi Beach during the Hanukkah festival event, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi extended condolences and asserted that India has zero tolerance towards terrorism.

PM Narendra Modi tweets, “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.”

“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,” the prime minister said.

Aftermath of the shooting — casualties, injuries and suspects

At least 12 people were killed and nearly 30 others injured in a deadly ‘terrorist’ attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Panic broke out when two gunmen allegedly opened fire at a Jewish holiday event being held at the location earlier today at around 6:30 pm (local time).

Police shot and killed one of the gunmen, while the other was in a critical condition. Two police officers were also injured during the commotion, and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Officials are now investigating whether a third gunman was involved in the shooting, while a bomb-disposal unit is examining several suspected improvised explosive devices at the scene, Reuters reported.

The shootings on Sunday marked the most severe incident in a string of ‘antisemitic attacks’ across Australia, which have targeted synagogues, buildings and cars since the beginning of the Israel's war in Gaza in October 2023, the news report said.

How did the world react to the shooting?

Several world leaders and political figures from across the globe reacted to the fatal shooting, condemning the violence, expressing condolences to the victims' families, and reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism and hate-driven attacks.

The Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese described the incident as a “targeted attack on Jewish Australians” carried out on the first day of Hanukkah, a time that should have been marked by joy and celebration of faith.

“At this dark moment for our nation, our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage,” he added.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also condemned the attack in a post on X, saying, “Condemn in the strongest terms the terror attack on Hanukkah celebrations in Bondi beach, Australia. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families”

Meanwhile Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Australia has ‘poured oil on fire of antisemitism’ prior to the Sydney attack, a remark that has added to the International debate following the incident.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed shock over the attack, describing Australia and New Zealand as “closer than friends, we're family.” Referring to Bondi as a place frequently visited by Kiwis (people of New Zealand), he said the scenes were deeply distressing.