New Delhi [India], December 15 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday spoke with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong after a deadly terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left more than 15 people dead during a gathering to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Just spoke to Australian Foreign Minister @SenatorWong. Conveyed our deepest condolences about the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and offered our fullest support.” https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2000421770294104326
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, expressing condolences to victims’ families and solidarity with the Australian people. On X, he said, “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.”
Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack that targeted Jewish Australians gathered for Hanukkah. According to CNN, one victim was a Holocaust survivor killed while shielding his wife.
Australian officials said the attack was carried out by a father-son duo. Police shot dead the 50-year-old father at the scene; the 24-year-old son was taken to hospital. Officials noted the older man held a recreational hunting licence. Police also conducted raids at a Sydney home in connection with the incident.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would move to tighten gun regulations, including placing stricter rules and licence time limits on his Cabinet’s agenda. He addressed the Jewish community, saying, “Your fellow Australians stand with you tonight in condemning this act of terror,” and affirmed the nation would not yield to “division, violence or hatred.”
Following the Sydney attack, police agencies in several countries have increased security around public Hanukkah events. In the United States, the New York Police Department said it was deploying additional resources to public Hanukkah celebrations and synagogues “out of an abundance of caution.” (ANI)
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