London

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday expressed deep sorrow over the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia, describing the incident as deeply upsetting and extending the United Kingdom’s solidarity to all those impacted.

In a message posted on X, Starmer said the developments from Australia were “deeply distressing” and conveyed his thoughts and condolences to the victims and their families. He added that he was being regularly briefed on the unfolding situation.

The shooting has drawn widespread international condemnation, with several global leaders urging stronger measures to combat antisemitism and ensure the safety of Jewish communities worldwide.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, at least 10 people were killed and 12 others injured, including two police officers, after multiple gunmen opened fire at a crowded stretch of Bondi Beach. The attack occurred on the opening night of Hanukkah, when Jewish residents had gathered near the “Chanukah by the Sea” event to mark the festival.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the incident as a deliberate attack on the Jewish community. Speaking at an event at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, as reported by The Times of Israel, Herzog said Jewish families in Sydney had been targeted in what he called a brutal and hateful act of terror.

He urged Australian authorities to take decisive steps, warning that antisemitism has been rising sharply in the country. Herzog said repeated alerts had been issued to the Australian government about growing hostility towards Jewish communities, stressing that the situation required urgent action.

Expressing empathy for those affected, Herzog said his thoughts and prayers were with the injured, the bereaved families and the wider Jewish community in Australia.

In the United Kingdom, Starmer had earlier shared warm greetings with Jewish communities across the world observing Chanukah. Following the Bondi Beach incident, senior UK political leaders echoed his condemnation. Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch described the scenes as heartbreaking and referred to the shooting as another shocking act of terrorism.

Reactions also poured in from other countries. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee termed the attack “horrific,” while New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was shocked by the disturbing events at a place frequently visited by New Zealanders.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said he was appalled by the violence, linking it to what he described as unchecked antisemitic rhetoric and incitement in Australia over the past two years. He urged the Australian government to respond firmly to prevent further escalation.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid also condemned the shooting, calling it a terrorist attack aimed at Jewish families. He warned that an increasing number of cities around the world are becoming associated with deadly attacks on Jews, stressing that decisive global intervention is urgently needed.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett described the incident as a moment of mourning and accountability. He said Jewish community leaders had long warned about rising antisemitism and accused authorities of ignoring clear warning signs. Bennett said sympathy alone was no longer sufficient and called for concrete action to ensure Jewish safety.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also reacted to the attack, calling it horrific and cautioning that the threat of extremist violence now exists everywhere.

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The Bondi Beach shooting has intensified global concern over antisemitic violence and renewed calls for stronger preventive measures to protect vulnerable communities worldwide.