Brussels (Belgium) (AFP) - World leaders express their horror and revulsion at Sunday’s mass shooting in which 11 people were killed at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the “shocking and distressing” attack, which Australian police are calling a “terrorist” incident, was “beyond comprehension” as assailants fired on a gathering celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

- Israel -

President Isaac Herzog condemned what he called a “very cruel attack on Jews” by “vile terrorists” in a speech in Jerusalem.

He called on Australia to “fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society”.

- Britain -

King Charles III, head of the 56 countries of the Commonwealth, of which Australia is a member, said he was “appalled” by “most dreadful antisemitic terrorist attack on Jewish people”.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer lamented what he described as the “deeply distressing news from Australia.

“The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi beach,” he added.

- United States -

“Antisemitism has no place in this world,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said on X.

“Our prayers are with the victims of this horrific attack, the Jewish community, and the people of Australia.”

- United Nations -

“I am horrified and condemn today’s heinous deadly attack on Jewish families gathered in Sydney to celebrate Hannukah,” Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on X.

“My heart is with the Jewish community worldwide on this first day of Hannukah, a festival celebrating the miracle of peace and light vanquishing darkness.”

- European Union -

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said in a post to X she was “shocked” at what she condemned as an “appalling act of violence”.

She added: “Europe stands with Australia and Jewish communities everywhere. We are united against violence, antisemitism and hatred.”

- Palestinian Authority -

The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned Sunday’s shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that killed 11 people, saying it rejected all forms of violence and terrorism.

The ministry said it “reiterates its firm rejection of all forms of violence, terrorism and extremism, which contradict humanitarian values”, expressing in a statement its “full solidarity” with “friendly Australia”.

- Iran -

Israel’s arch-enemy Iran joined the condemnations.

Posting on X, foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said: “We condemn the violent attack in Sydney, Australia. Terror and killing of human beings, wherever committed, is rejected and condemned.”

- France, Italy, Germany -

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack and vowed that France would “fight relentlessly against antisemitic hatred.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia 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,” she added.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, said in a post post to X: “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.

- Canada -

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “horrified by the antisemitic terror attack” in a post to X.

“Canada stands with the people of Australia and Jewish people everywhere in sorrow, and determination never to bow to terrorism, violence, hatred and intimidation,” he added.

- Australian organisations -

“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.

It urged all Australians to stand together in unity, compassion, and solidarity.

The head of Australia’s Jewish Association said the “tragedy but entirely foreseeable.

“The Albanese government was warned so many times but failed to take adequate actions to protect the Jewish community,” Robert Gregory told AFP.