Bondi Beach shooting latest: Suspect who ‘pledged allegiance to Islamic State’ had terror link probed before attack

Sir Keir Starmer has called for a police crackdown on antisemitic chanting at demonstrations, including pro-Palestine marches, saying the government “won’t tolerate” it.

The prime minister’s official spokesperson said that while “free speech is an important right in this country, that can't extend inciting hatred or harassing others”, saying the police will use their powers “more robustly” to tackle the proliferation of antisemitism.

It comes after two gunmen attacked a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Australia on Sunday, killing 15 people and injuring a further 27.

The murderous attacks on Jewish people on Bondi Beach represent antisemitism in its purest form. As far as can be gathered, the two terrorists could probably be fairly called “Islamist”, as they targeted innocent Jews because they were Jews.

Sean O’Grady writes:

A father and son have sent shockwaves across the world after they allegedly targeted Jewish people at Bondi Beach as they celebrated Hanukkah.

Gunmen opened fire on an event called Chanukah by the Sea in Sydney on Sunday evening, killing 15 people including a 10-year-old girl.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) said on Sunday it was investigating whether there was any further threat to Jewish Australians after the mass shooting.

The suspected gunmen have named in local media as Sajid and Naveed Akram. Here is everything we know so far about the pair.

The shooting at Bondi Beach has sparked intense debate in Australia about the state of the country’s gun control laws.

On the first day of Hanukkah, at least 15 people were killed by a father and son who allegedly targeted a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach on Sunday.

In response, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held an emergency national cabinet meeting to discuss whether gun laws need to be changed.

After the meeting, all states and territories have agreed to strengthen gun laws. Ideas for reform include limiting how many guns one person can own, the types of guns deemed legal and making Australian citizenship a condition of holding a licence.

Olivia Ireland reports:

A “bright, joyful and spirited” 10-year-old girl, a British-born father of five and a Holocaust survivor from Ukraine are among the 15 victims killed in the terror attack on Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday.

A total of 14 people were shot dead at the scene and a 40-year-old man died later in hospital after two gunmen opened fire on hundreds of people celebrating a Jewish festival at the seaside.

Harmony Russian School in Sydney, where she studied, said it was “deeply saddened” to confirm that a former pupil had died in hospital from gunshot injuries.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and everyone affected by this tragic event. During this difficult time, our school community stands together in mourning and remembrance,” the school said.

Fifteen people have been killed in a terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach after two gunmen opened fire on a crowd celebrating the start of Hanukkah.

A 10-year-old girl is among those dead after the attack on more than 1,000 people attending a Jewish festival near the iconic beach at 6.47pm on Sunday.

One gunman, aged 50, was shot by police and died at the scene, while a second attacker, 24, was taken to hospital in critical condition. Police said the gunmen were father and son.

At least 40 people are receiving treatment in hospital, including three other children.

Sir Keir Starmer has said the government will not tolerate antisemitism at marches in Britain, saying he expects the police to use their powers “more robustly” in response to hate incidents.

The prime minister's spokesperson told reporters: “We've seen anti semitic incidents proliferate at these marches, and we won't tolerate that.

“And as the prime minister has said recently, in addition to the police using their existing powers more robustly, the home secretary is also looking at the cumulative effect of marches and protests and that includes looking at marches that happen in the same place every time, where they happen repeatedly, and the distress and effect that that has on parts of our community, such as Jewish people living in the UK.

“Clearly the police also have existing powers and we expect them to use more.”