SYDNEY, NSW, Australia - At least twelve people have been killed in a violent attack involving two gunmen at Bondi Beach, Australia's most popular beach located just 15 minutes from the Sydney CBD.

29 people are hospitalised in various Sydney hospitals, all suffering gunshot wounds, including at least one child. More people are continuing to turn up at hospitals, a police statement said.

Two of those wounded are New South Wales police officers, both believed to be in critical condition.

One of those killed was one of the two gunmen, while the other is among the injured.

Police believe the gunmen targeted a Jewish celebration for the first day of Hanukkah. Police say over 1,000 people were in attendance, mainly consisting of Jewish families.

NSW Police on Sunday night at 9:36pm declared the attack as a terrorist incident.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told a press conference Sunday night that Sunday's attack was "an evil act of antisemitism and terrorism." The PM said he had just come from a meeting of national law enforcement and counter terrorism agencies, including ASIO, the country's intelligence service, and the Australian Federal Police.

Further to the mass shooting, New South Wales Police are undergoing a major search operation for an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The bomb disposal squad is on the scene. The search was initiated following the discovery of an IED which was linked to one of the gunmen.

An 87-year old Ukrainian man was among the dead, the man's wife confirmed in an interview with local media. Police were reluctant to speak of the victims or their circumstances as next-of-kin are still being informed.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog denounced the incident as a targeted assault on Jews.

"Our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah," Herzog said while speaking at an event at the President's Residence in Jerusalem.

Calling for action, he said, "We repeat our alerts time and again to the Australian government to seek action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as deeply distressing while extending solidarity to those affected.

"Deeply distressing news from Australia. The United Kingdom sends our thoughts and condolences to everyone affected by the appalling attack in Bondi beach. I'm being kept updated on the developing situation," Starmer said in a post on X.

NSW Police are appealing for anyone in the Bondi Beach area with mobile phone or dashcam vision relevant to to the shooting to upload on this link.