Dec 15, Kathmandu - In a tragic incident targeting the Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, New South Wales (NSW) police confirmed on Monday that 16 people have died, and at least 40 others have been hospitalized with injuries.

In a post on social media platform X, NSW police confirmed the shooting at Bondi on Sunday and stated that further details would be provided soon. According to CNN, representatives of the Jewish community confirmed that children were among those killed in the attack.

Authorities have sealed off the area around Bondi Beach and surrounding streets for investigation and have imposed restrictions. Investigators are conducting inquiries at the scene, and police have announced that the beach and nearby roads will remain closed. Additionally, flights with drones or other aircraft over the crime scene are prohibited.

The attack, which occurred while hundreds of people gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, has been officially declared a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident during a national address following the mass shooting. He described the attack as a devastating act of terrorism and expressed solidarity with Australia's Jewish community.

Prime Minister Albanese emphasized that the Jewish Australians celebrating Hanukkah were targeted and called the incident heartbreaking. He also condemned anti-Semitic sentiments and terrorism linked to the attack.

According to NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, two suspects—a father and son—are believed to be involved in the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach.

During a press conference, Lanyon stated that the 50-year-old father was shot and killed at the scene by police, while the 24-year-old son was hospitalized with serious injuries. Authorities also confirmed that explosive devices found in a nearby vehicle have been safely removed.