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Bondi Beach terrorist attack: 16 killed during Hanukkah in Sydney

Bondi Beach terrorist attack leaves 16 dead and 40 injured after a mass shooting during Hanukkah celebrations in Sydney

The death toll from the Bondi Beach terrorist attack has risen to 16 after a mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration on 14 December 2025 in Sydney. At least 40 people were injured, several of them critically, according to Australian authorities.

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that the Bondi Beach terrorist attack was an act of terrorism and that the Jewish community had been deliberately targeted. Among the victims is Sydney’s Chief Rabbi, Eli Schlanger, as confirmed by representatives of the local Jewish community quoted by the Times of Israel.

A 12-year-old girl is also among the dead. Speaking to CNN, Alexander Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry said he personally knew many of those attending the Hanukkah event. Friends of his, he explained, lost their daughter, who later died in hospital from her injuries.

Injuries and emergency response

The wounded were taken to several hospitals across the Sydney metropolitan area, including two police officers who were shot while responding to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Hospital sources say multiple victims remain in life-threatening conditions.

One of the two attackers was killed at the scene, while the second was seriously injured during an attempted escape and is now under police guard in critical condition.

Commissioner Lanyon announced that a major counter-terrorism investigation is under way. “Nothing will be overlooked,” he said, urging the public to remain calm and allow security forces to secure the area and protect the wider community.

Suspects identified and police raids

Investigators have identified one of the attackers as Naveed Akram, 25, a Sydney resident who previously attended an Islamic institute. The second suspect is Khaled al-Nablusi, a Lebanese man of Palestinian origin believed to be affiliated with ISIS. Authorities are also examining the possible involvement of a third suspect.

During police raids in Bonnyrigg, the neighbourhood where Akram lived, one man was arrested. Australian police have not yet formally confirmed the identities of the attackers, but searches and interrogations are continuing.

Australia’s domestic intelligence chief, Mike Burgess, stated that one of the perpetrators was known to security services, though not considered an imminent threat. Investigators are now assessing whether others within the suspects’ circles may share similar intentions.

Car containing explosive devices discovered

Following the Bondi Beach terrorist attack, police located a vehicle linked to the deceased attacker on Campbell Parade. Inside the car, officers found several improvised explosive devices. A bomb disposal unit was immediately deployed to neutralise the threat.

Authorities confirmed that the attackers used long firearms, including rifles and pump-action shotguns. At this stage, investigators have not disclosed how the weapons were obtained.

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