The attack targeting a Jewish community event in Australia’s Bondi Beach is on the front pages of Monday’s newspapers. Daily Mail focuses its news on the “incredible courage” of a 43-year-old shopkeeper who attacked the attackers with a gun in order to save lives. The newspaper states that Ahmed al-Ahmad was shot after attacking one of the gunmen from behind and is still in hospital.
Metro fills its front page with photos of the widely circulated video of Mr Ahmed disarming one of the gunmen. The newspaper quotes New South Wales premier Chris Minns, who praised the father of two as “a true hero” and said “there is no doubt that many people are alive as a result of his bravery”.
“Bondi Hero” recalls the Daily Star, which reported that the death toll from the tragedy had risen to 15 people, including one child, and 42 people remained in hospital. It is stated that a father and his son were responsible for the attack.
The Daily Express describes Mr Ahmed’s actions as “fearless”.
Reports say Sydney’s Jewish community is in mourning as Hanukkah celebrations begin around the world.
“Hate and heroism directed at Bondi” was the Daily Telegraph’s headline. The newspaper discusses comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to recognize the Palestinian state “adds fuel to the anti-Semitic fire.”
The Guardian leads Australia’s Prime Minister to condemn the attack as a “diabolical act of antisemitism”. According to the newspaper, the incident is the deadliest terrorist attack in Australia in nearly three decades.
“Bloodbath on Bondi Beach”, according to the Times. Police said one of the gunmen was known to security services, but authorities had no indication it was a planned attack, the newspaper said. The front page also features another headline from MI6 chief Blaise Metrewelli, who will warn on Monday that the rules of war are being “rewritten by Russia”.
The Independent highlights the photograph of a British-born rabbi who was among those killed in the massacre.
The Sun called the gunmen “Bondi devils” and said both men were shot by police, killing the father, while his son remained in hospital in a critical condition.
The Mirror continues with photos of people fleeing Bondi Beach during the attack. The headline is “Terror and heroism at Bondi”.
Finally, the Financial Times published a photo of a police officer standing guard at Bondi Beach as authorities continued to investigate the scene. It also reports that investors are seeking protection and that “fears of an AI meltdown are testing Wall Street’s nerves.”
