Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, December 14, strongly condemned the “ghastly terrorist attack” at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in Australia, which targeted people celebrating the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
In a post shared on X, the Prime Minister expressed condolences to the families of the victims and said India stands in solidarity with Australia during this time of grief.
“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,” PM Modi said, reiterating that India has zero tolerance towards terrorism and supports the fight against all its forms and manifestations.
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.…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 14, 2025
According to police, at least 12 people were killed in a shooting near a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach, ABC reported. Authorities said one of the shooters was killed at the scene, while another suspect has been taken into custody and is in critical condition.
New South Wales Police confirmed that there was no longer an active threat, though residents and visitors were advised to avoid the area as a massive emergency response continued. Several injured people were rushed to hospitals in ambulances.
At least 29 people were wounded in the attack, including two police officers, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said, as reported by ABC. The incident was declared a terrorist attack based on the nature of the target and the weapons used.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said. The shooting occurred during “Chanukah by the Sea,” an event attended by hundreds to mark the beginning of the Hanukkah festival.
Dramatic footage broadcast on Australian television channels, reportedly filmed by a bystander, showed a person appearing to tackle and disarm one of the gunmen, before holding the weapon on him until police intervened.
Investigations into the attack are ongoing, authorities said.
