Deadly shooting at Jewish event in Sydney leaves multiple casualties

According to Australian media reports, several armed individuals opened fire from the vicinity of a bridge or platform adjacent to the beach. Special police units and emergency response teams arrived at the scene within minutes.

One attacker was killed at the scene, while two others were arrested or placed under medical supervision. Initial reports indicate at least ten fatalities and more than ten people injured. While the exact number of casualties is still under review, credible media outlets and official spokespeople have confirmed a significant number of deaths and injuries.

The first images and videos released from the scene showed chaos and people fleeing the area. Paramedics were seen carrying the wounded on stretchers and transferring them to ambulances, while heavily armed police forces, equipped with specialist gear and search dogs, cordoned off the area. New South Wales Ambulance deployed dozens of ambulances and several medical helicopters to transport the injured.

The shooting took place during a public gathering held in observance of Hanukkah. The motive of the attackers has not yet been officially confirmed. Australian officials, including the Prime Minister, condemned the incident and stressed the importance of a full investigation and support for the victims.

Meanwhile, New South Wales Police announced that field operations are ongoing, traffic routes and access points to the area have been closed, and specialist teams in protective gear are present to examine suspicious data-x-items and apprehend suspects.

It has also been reported that following the shooting, several suspicious data-x-items — including an improvised explosive device — were discovered and are being examined by bomb disposal units, further complicating the criminal and security investigation. Authorities urged the public to refrain from spreading rumors or unverified videos so as not to disrupt the identification process or the protection of the injured and suspects.

Australian political leaders described the incident as “violent and distressing” and expressed their condolences. The international community and several foreign leaders — including presidents and foreign ministers of a number of countries — also condemned the attack and expressed support for the victims.

In response to the shooting, Gideon Sa’ar, the foreign minister of the Israeli regime, said that the Australian government, despite receiving numerous warnings, must “wake up” and accept its responsibility.

Sa’ar claimed that what occurred was the result of incitement and what he described as a surge of antisemitic hysteria on the streets of Australia over the past two years.