Rome, Dec 14 (NationPress) International leaders vociferously condemned the terrorist attack aimed at the Jewish community at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, on Sunday, extending heartfelt condolences to the grieving families of the victims.

According to police reports, the tragic shooting incident during a Hanukkah celebration resulted in at least 12 fatalities, including the shooter, while 29 others sustained injuries, among them two police officers.

A second gunman was also injured and taken into custody.

The New South Wales (NSW) Police classified the event as a terrorist incident, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) News.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced violence and anti-Semitism, expressing her condolences to the victims' families.

"I am deeply saddened by the tragic news from Sydney. Italy stands in solidarity with the victims' loved ones, the injured, and the Jewish communities, reaffirming our friendship with the Australian people," Meloni stated on X.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his sympathies to all affected by the Bondi Beach attack, assuring that he is being briefed on the situation.

In a statement on X, Starmer remarked, "Deeply distressing news from Australia. The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone impacted by the horrific attack at Bondi Beach. I’m being kept updated on the evolving situation."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed Europe’s solidarity with Australia and the Jewish communities, offering condolences to the victims' families.

"I am shocked by the tragic attack at Bondi Beach. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Europe stands united against violence, antisemitism, and hatred," von der Leyen posted on X.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed his shock at the disturbing scenes from Bondi.

In a statement on X, Luxon mentioned, "Australia and New Zealand share a bond stronger than friendship; we are family. I am horrified by the distressing events at Bondi, a place frequented by Kiwis. My thoughts are with those affected."

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic condemned the terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community in Sydney, expressing Serbia's support for Jewish communities globally.

"Serbia condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack against the Jewish community in Sydney, which occurred during a Hanukkah gathering. Terrorism and antisemitism have no place in our world. The Republic of Serbia stands firmly with Jewish communities everywhere and is committed to the safety and dignity of its Jewish citizens," Vucic stated on X.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack on the Jewish community in Sydney, who had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, and expressed support for Jewish communities worldwide.

In a statement shared on X, Guterres expressed, "I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hanukkah. My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hanukkah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light overcoming darkness."

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola expressed her horror at the images emerging from the Sydney attack and sympathized with the victims and the Jewish community.

"I am utterly horrified to see the images emerging of the appalling attack on so many people at Bondi Beach as Hanukkah celebrations commenced in Sydney. My thoughts are with the victims and the wider Jewish community in Australia and beyond. This light will not be extinguished," Metsola wrote on X.

The Netherlands Foreign Minister David van Weel also expressed solidarity with the Australian people following the attack in Sydney.

On X, van Weel stated, "Shocking reports from Bondi Beach, Sydney. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone affected by this ruthless attack during Hanukkah celebrations. We are closely monitoring the situation. The Netherlands stands with our Australian friends."

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott described the events at Bondi Beach as an "absolute atrocity" and a horror for the victims, asserting that such incidents should not occur in Australia.

"The events at Bondi Beach are an absolute atrocity. A horror for the victims and a significant escalation of the hatred directed at Australia’s Jewish community. There should be no place in Australia for the kind of evil we’ve seen this evening. Thank God one bystander heroically intervened, showing the good side of our country. I am praying for all those affected at this time," Abbott wrote on X.

A senior law enforcement official identified one of the gunmen as Naveed Akram from Sydney's Bonnyrigg, as per ABC News reports.

Authorities confirmed that there is no longer an active threat but advised the public to avoid the area.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened a National Security Meeting and labeled the shooting a "devastating terrorist incident."

He remarked, "This afternoon, there has been a devastating terrorist incident at Bondi during the Hanukkah by the Sea celebration."

He stated, "This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith."

He condemned the incident as an "act of evil antisemitism, terrorism" that has struck at the heart of the nation.

He concluded, "An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian."