World leaders express horror, revulsion at Bondi Beach shooting

World leaders queued up on Sunday to express their horror and revulsion at a mass shooting which killed 12 people at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach.

Following are comments from world leaders in the wake of the deadly shooting:

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA

"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. "At this dark moment for our nation, our police and security agencies are working to determine anyone associated with this outrage."

This screen grab of UGC video shows beach-goers fleeing Bondi Beach after gunmen opened fire. AFP

SUSSAN LEY, OPPOSITION LEADER OF AUSTRALIA

"Australians are in deep mourning tonight, with hateful violence striking at the heart of an iconic Australian community, a place we all know so well and love, Bondi."

KEIR STARMER, UK PRIME MINISTER

"Deeply distressing news from Australia. The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi Beach."

A man with his children crosses a street after a shooting incident at Bondi Beach. AFP

CHRISTOPHER LUXON, PRIME MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND

"Australia and New Zealand are closer than friends, we're family. I am shocked by the distressing scenes at Bondi, a place that Kiwis visit every day." "My thoughts, and the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those affected."

URSULA VON DER LEYEN, EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT

"Shocked by the tragic attack at Bondi Beach. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims." "Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere. We are united against violence, antisemitism and hatred."

A small Christmas tree is at the centre of an abandoned holiday picnic at Bondi Beach after a reported shooting in Sydney. AP

SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER JOSE MANUEL ALBARES

"Horrified by the terrorist attack in Australia against the Jewish community. My solidarity with the victims and their loved ones, with the people and government of Australia." "Hate, antisemitism, and violence have no place in our societies."

JONAS GAHR STOERE, PRIME MINISTER OF NORWAY

"I am shocked by the horrific attack at Bondi Beach, Australia, during a Jewish Hanukkah event." "I condemn this despicable act of terror in the strongest possible terms. My deepest condolences to all those affected by today's tragic attack."

People cross a street next to police vehicles after a shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney. AFP

"Appalled by the attack in Sydney, targeted against the Jewish community." "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Together, we must fight the spread of antisemitism." (Reporting by Reuters bureaux, Compiled by Christine Chen in Sydney Editing by Christina Fincher)

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON

Macron condemned the attack and vowed that France would "fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred."

ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI

Meloni said on X she felt "profound grief regarding the dramatic news arriving from Sydney.
"By once again firmly condemning all forms of violence and anti-semitism, Italy expresses its own condolences for the victims," Meloni added.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY

Zelensky posted on X that his country "stands in solidarity with Australia in the face of the brutal terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, which targeted the Jewish community."
"Terror and hatred must never prevail - they must be defeated everywhere and every time," he said.

MAJOR AUSTRALIAN MUSLIM ORGANISATION CONDEMNS SHOOTING

A Australian Muslim organisation condemned the "horrific" shooting. "Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack," the Australian National Imams Council said, urging all Australians to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, also in a post to X, said: "I am deeply shocked by the terrorist attack in Sydney -- an act of hatred directed against all Jews worldwide on the first day of Hanukkah. My thoughts are with the families of those murdered, the injured and the Jewish community."

Agencies