Thousands gathered at vigils across Australia on Monday evening to honour the 15 people killed in a terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday. The mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration is being treated as terrorism, prompting the Australian national cabinet to tighten gun laws.
Israeli Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, visited the scene to pay tribute to the victims and expressed his deep sorrow.
"The Jewish community, the Australians of Jewish faith, the Jewish community is also my community," Maimon said, emphasising the importance of recognising Jewish Australians as part of the broader nation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, stating that it was ideologically driven and motivated by Islamic State ideology.
"This is different from Port Arthur," Albanese said, referring to the 1996 massacre. "Port Arthur was random violence. This was targeted, ideologically driven hatred," he added.
During his visit to the hospital, Albanese praised Ahmed al Ahmed, a local fruit shop owner who tackled one of the attackers during the shooting. Ahmed, who was shot twice, is recovering after surgery. Albanese described his actions as an example of courage and resilience.
The attack, the deadliest gun violence in Australia in nearly three decades, occurred when hundreds gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. Forty people were taken to hospital, including two police officers. Three patients remain in critical condition.
Authorities say the gunmen, identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, had travelled to the Philippines before the assault, which appeared to be inspired by Islamic State ideology. Police are investigating the attack as linked to extremist networks operating in the region.
Officials revealed that Sajid Akram had legally held a firearms licence since 2015, owning six licensed weapons.
The incident has prompted the government to reconsider gun control measures, with Albanese confirming that the issue would be examined in light of the tragedy.
This deadly assault is viewed as a wake-up call for Australia, highlighting the need for a stronger response to prevent similar attacks in the future.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics dri...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last m...
What began as a fan-created chant just months ago has become one of the defining images of this year's FIFA World Cup, with Norway's "Viking Row" swee...
An initial inquiry into last year’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach has called for counter-terrorism reforms, increased security at Jewish public events, and further gun control measures.
A man accused of carrying out Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades appeared briefly in a Sydney court on Monday (16 February), facing terrorism and murder charges over the 14 December attack on a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 20th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Australia’s most populous state has passed sweeping new gun control and anti-terror laws following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, tightening firearm ownership rules, banning the public display of terrorist symbols and expanding police powers to restrict protests.
It has been a punishing week for large parts of China, and forecasters warn the worst may not be over. After Typhoon Maysak left a trail of destruction and at least 23 people dead, Super Typhoon Bavi is now threatening the country's eastern coast.
At least 12 people have been killed in forest fires in Almeria in southern Spain, Andalucía’s emergency agency has said, as firefighters continue efforts to put out the blaze.
The death toll from Venezuela's twin earthquakes has risen to 3,811, according to figures released by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez on Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to resume talks with Iran after Tehran requested further negotiations, but declared that last month's ceasefire between the two countries was "over".
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it launched fresh strikes on Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping, triggering Iranian attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain in the latest escalation to derail efforts to end the war.
China's technology sector is producing billion-dollar startups at its fastest pace in nearly five years, with artificial intelligence and robotics driving a new wave of investment that is reshaping the country's innovation economy.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged China and North Korea to strengthen cooperation and maintain "strategic resolve" amid what he described as growing global instability. He made the remarks during talks with North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song in Beijing on Friday.
British police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Ann Widdecombe, a former government minister whose death was announced on Friday.
Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming Labour leader and prime minister after securing the overwhelming backing of Labour MPs in the first round of leadership nominations.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment