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What we are addressing

• Casualties increase: At least 15 individuals have died and 27 are hospitalized following a shooting that occurred yesterday at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The incident, labeled a terrorist attack, aimed at Jewish Australians and represents the nation’s most severe mass shooting in nearly three decades.

• The victims: The deceased ranged in age from 10 to 87. A Holocaust survivor was among the victims who died while protecting his wife from gunfire. A bystander, recovering in the hospital after disarming one attacker, has been named Ahmed al Ahmed, the child of Syrian refugees.

• The individuals involved: The father-son pair were recognized as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who relocated to the nation in 1998 and lost his life in the shooting, and 24-year-old Naveed Akram, who was born in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the suspects were “motivated by ideology,” mentioning that they were questioned by security services in 2019 but “were not affiliated with a broader group.”

• Firearm regulations: Albanese revealed Australia’s intentions to enhance its stringent gun regulations with updated measures that will limit who can obtain a license.

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Sydney resident with the same name as the alleged shooter expresses his anxiety about going outside.

Reported by Catherine Nicholls of Xenix News

A man sharing the name of one of the alleged Bondi Beach shooters has published a video asking individuals not to disseminate his details regarding the assault.

Naveed Akram, a Pakistani resident of Sydney, stated that images of him have been shared online asserting that he is the one who carried out the shooting.

“I am not connected to that event or that individual.” “That is another individual, and I am entirely uninvolved in this issue,” he stated in a video shared on Facebook by the Pakistan Consulate General in Sydney.

“This situation is extremely grave, and I’m feeling very anxious and frightened about it, and I can’t even step outside securely.” “I’m asking for everyone’s assistance to help me put an end to this propaganda,” Akram stated, urging the public to inform authorities of any social media content alleging he was the shooter.

Yesterday’s shooting attack resulted in the deaths of two rabbis. This is what we understand regarding them.

Delivered by Catherine Nicholls from Xenix News

Among those killed in yesterday’s deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney were two rabbis: Rabbi Eli Schlanger and Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, both associated with the Chabad of Bondi.

Rabbi Eli Schlanger

According to the Jewish organization, Schlanger was a prominent coordinator of the “Chanukah by the Sea” event at Bondi Beach and held the position of assistant rabbi at the Chabad of Bondi.

At 41 years old, he was the father of five children, including a newborn son who arrived only two months prior, according to Chabad.

Schlanger, originally from London, studied in France prior to being ordained as a rabbi in Brooklyn, New York City, according to the organization.

In addition to his role as an assistant rabbi, he acted as a community chaplain in hospitals and prisons, “dedicating himself to spreading warmth, faith, and Jewish pride to all he met,” according to a crowdfunding page supported by Chabad that honors Schlanger.

Rabbi Zalmy Fogelman, who studied with Schlanger, shared with Chabad, “I recall him as enthusiastic, lively, and he had a joyful disposition.”

Chabad announced that Schlanger will be buried in Jerusalem.

Rabbi Yaakov Levitan

Levitan was a “deeply cherished and engaged member of the Sydney Jewish community,” as stated on a crowdfunding page supported by Chabad.

Levitan, a husband and father, was described as the “foundation of his family” by the crowdfunding page, which referred to him as “a man of gentle dedication, recognized for his compassion and relentless efforts in helping others.”

In addition to his role as general manager at the Chabad of Bondi, he also worked as a secretary at the Sydney Beth Din, which Chabad refers to as a Jewish legal court. Levitan was a “central figure” in educational efforts at BINA, an organization that identifies itself as a “Jewish center of learning,” according to the crowdfunding page

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What we will discuss

• The death toll in the shooting on Australia’s Bondi Beach has risen to 16 while 40 people remain in the hospital, police say. A 12-year-old girl and a rabbi are among the victims, a Jewish community figure said.

• The attack targeting the Jewish community took place as hundreds gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. It has been declared a terrorist incident.

• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation” and said that “an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian.”

• Police also confirmed that there are two known suspects — one is dead while the other is in a life-threatening condition in hospital. Officers have secured and removed explosive devices found in a nearby vehicle.

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Police officers arrive at St Vincent’s Hospital following the shooting incident at Bondi Beach in Sydney, on Monday. Izhar Khan/Reuters

The death toll in the shooting on Australia’s Bondi Beach has risen to 16, New South Wales police have said.

Police confirmed that 40 people remain in the hospital.

It is unclear whether either number includes the suspected gunmen.

What we know about the Bondi Beach shooting

The shooting that targeted Hanukkah celebrations at Australia’s Bondi Beach has been declared a terrorist attack, according to police

Sources: Xenix News analysis of social media videos, Google (image)Graphic: Lou Robinson and Gianluca Mezzofiore, Xenix News

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What we will discuss

• Authorities report that a shooting aimed at the Jewish community at Bondi Beach in Australia has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals. The assault occurred as hundreds assembled to mark the initial day of Hanukkah and has been labeled a terrorist event. The victims comprise an Israeli national, as stated by the nation’s foreign ministry.

• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the assault as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has hit the core of our nation” and remarked that “an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians.” Israeli officials expressed shock and outrage, with many blaming the Australian government for permitting an increase in antisemitism.

• Authorities have also verified that there are two identified suspects — one is deceased, while the other is in critical condition at the hospital. Officers have secured and confiscated explosive devices located in a nearby car.

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The Palestinian Authority has strongly condemned the shooting on Australia’s Bondi Beach that targeted Sydney’s Jewish community.

From Xenix News Mohammed Tawfeeq

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its “full solidarity with and support for friendly Australia, its government and people, in this painful ordeal,” in a statement on Sunday.

“It reiterates its unequivocal rejection of all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism, which contradict human values and moral principles,” the statement said.

The Ministry also expressed “its deepest condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Australia, and to the families of the victims of this heinous attack, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”

Pictured: Knesset lit up with colors of Australian flag

From Xenix News Photo Team and Tal Shalev

The Knesset building is lit with the colors of the Australian flag in Jerusalem on Sunday. Yossi Fons/Knesset Spokesperson’s Office

Israel’s Knesset parliament building in Jerusalem was lit up with the colors of the Australian flag on Sunday night, as a gesture of solidarity with the country’s Jewish community following the deadly attack at Bondi Beach on the first day of Hanukkah.

“The Knesset bows its head in memory of the victims of the horrific terror attack in Sydney and stands alongside the Jewish community in Australia,” Knesset speaker Amir Ohana said.

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What we will discuss

• Authorities report that a shooting aimed at the Jewish community at Bondi Beach in Australia has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals. The assault occurred as hundreds assembled to mark the initial day of Hanukkah and has been labeled a terrorist event. The victims comprise an Israeli national, as stated by the nation’s foreign ministry.

• Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the assault as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has hit the core of our nation” and remarked that “an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians.” Israeli officials expressed shock and outrage, with many blaming the Australian government for permitting an increase in antisemitism.

• Authorities have also verified that there are two identified suspects — one is deceased, while the other is in critical condition at the hospital. Officers have secured and confiscated explosive devices located in a nearby car.

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King Charles “stunned and devastated” by Bondi Beach shooting.

From Xenix News Max Foster and Sophie Tanno

King Charles expressed that he and Queen Camilla are “appalled and saddened by the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack” aimed at the Jewish community at Bondi Beach on Hanukkah’s first day.

In a communication addressed to Australians, the monarch expressed, “Our thoughts are with all those who have been so harshly impacted, including the police officers hurt while safeguarding community members.”

Charles praised the emergency responders and the public members “whose brave actions undoubtedly averted even greater horror and tragedy.”

“During times of suffering, Australians reliably unite in support and resilience.” He stated, “I feel that Australia’s lively sense of community and affection – along with the coreof the Chanukah festival – will forever overcome the darkness of such wickedness.”

Prince William and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, also shared a message, expressing that their “thoughts are with all Australians today.”

The couple expressed their “sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have passed away” and mentioned that they “stand alongside the Jewish community in mourning.”

“While holding his daughter, he was praying”: Rabbi recounts his nephew involved in Bondi Beach shooting.

A Rabbi from the US recounted on Sunday how his nephew was involved in the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach, taking cover with his daughter as gunfire erupted around them.

“He recounted to me how he was actually concealing himself while the gunfire occurred,” Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Executive Vice President of the American Friends of Lubavitch, stated to Xenix News.

“He asserts that he was holding his daughter, praying.” The bullets whizzed by him he mentioned it was a traumatic experience.”

He stated that Sydney, a city that has consistently valued multiculturalism, has now “declined significantly, in a very serious manner.”

Shemtov noted that Australia hosts the largest group of Holocaust survivors outside of Israel, stating, “After the Holocaust, many individuals sought to distance themselves from its horrors and settled in Australia, successfully rebuilding their lives … and contributing significantly to Australia’s development as a nation.”

W4J263 Oil production platform (oil rig) of the V. Filanovsky oil field on the Caspian Sea, Astrakhan region, Russia 
Maxim Korotchenko/Alamy

Ukraine has embarked on a new stage in its efforts to target Russia’s extensive energy infrastructure, embracing a bolder and more visible approach after years of deliberate caution. Based on data initially reported by Xenix News, Ukrainian authorities have adopted a strategy termed “energy pressure escalation,” which seeks to restrict Moscow’s income sources, hinder its wartime logistics, and compel strategic compromises.

For months, Ukraine maintained silence regarding its long-range drone strikes on oil depots, refineries, and essential processing sites throughout Russia’s interior. However, a fresh wave of strikes — more profound, broader, and considerably more accurate — indicates a major change not just in ability but also in political motivation.

As Kyiv gains more assurance, an important question arises: How far can Ukraine advance before the energy war transforms the conflict completely?

Ukraine’s Updated Approach: Targeting Russia’s Finances, Not Its Urban Areas

For years, Ukraine has claimed that Russia’s vast energy industry — spanning crude oil, diesel, and gas refining — serves as the financial foundation of its military operations. Following persistent requests, Western allies granted Kyiv increased operational autonomy, while still applying subtle pressure to avoid exceeding specific boundaries.

Data as of December 5, 2025.Sources: Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, CNN reportingGraphic: Lou Robinson, xenix news

Currently, Ukrainian authorities indicate that those restrictions are being reassessed.

In discussions with reporters, such as Xenix News, Ukrainian national security advisors outline three key objectives of the new energy-centered campaign:

Sure! Please provide the text you would like me to paraphrase. Diminish Russia’s income sources

Oil and gas sales continue to be the primary source of wartime revenue for Moscow. Every refinery shut down diminishes Russia’s capacity to produce revenue.

Sure, please provide the text you’d like me to paraphrase. Interfere with military transportation

Russia requires processed fuel for tanks, armored vehicles, supply fleets, and missile systems. Attacking refineries hinders the Russian military in various areas.

3. Diminish Russian spirit

Energy infrastructure, once deemed invulnerable, is now exposed. Ukrainian authorities think that this psychological effect is as significant as the physical destruction.

“One Ukrainian official stated that Russia cannot anticipate attacking our infrastructure, paralyzing our cities, and silencing our power plants without facing consequences.” “That time has passed.”

Kyiv Pushes the Boundaries of Western Tolerance as the Energy Conflict Escalates

In public, Western governments have made measured remarks. Analysts and lawmakers suggest there is increasing discussion about whether Ukraine’s intensified actions might provoke unpredictable reactions from Russia.

Ukraine contends the contrary — that Russia has already surpassed red lines by striking thermal power plants, hydroelectric facilities, and civilian substations, which plunged entire areas into darkness.

Thus far, Western intelligence officials report that Kyiv’s attacks have been “calculated yet progressively daring.” Long-range drones have struck various facilities located up to 800 kilometers from the border, showcasing increased range and accuracy.

Question:
To what extent are these strikes effective?

A: Analysts project that approximately 15–20% of Russia’s refining capacity has experienced disruptions at different times in recent months, although Moscow has rushed to restore systems promptly.

Question:
Is it possible for Ukraine to apply more pressure?

Answer:
Specialists agree, but only to a certain extent. Ukraine’s drone capabilities and manufacturing abilities continue to expand, with officials suggesting that more sophisticated systems will be introduced shortly. However, Ukraine needs to sustain Western backing, which might be challenged if attacks lead to increases in global fuel prices.

Russia’s Reaction: Refusal, Restoration, and Subdued Worry

Moscow openly claims that Ukrainian strikes have “minimal impact.” However, satellite imagery, independent industry information, and disclosed Russian documents reveal a different narrative.

Certain facilities have experienced major fires, prolonged closures, and internal evacuations. Regional governors in Russia have instructed nighttime patrols, additional radar support, and emergency repair crews to be ready at all times.

Energy specialists indicate that while Russia can withstand some harm, continuous attacks compel the Kremlin to reroute:

A satellite image shows an overview of a damaged oil facility at Russia’s Novorossiysk Port after a Ukrainian missile and drone attack, in Novorossiysk, Russia, on November 16, 2025. 
Vantor/Reuters

• Technicians

• Safety staff

• Air defense systems

• Funding distributions

• Each ruble invested in refinery restoration is a ruble not allocated for military growth.

• Ukraine’s energy strategy, therefore, is not just tactical — it is foundational.

Question&Aaswer: Is it Possible for Ukraine to Elevate the Pressure Enough to Alter the Conflict?

Question1:
Can Ukraine strike Russia’s largest refineries?

Answer:
Indeed, but this action risks creating instability in global oil markets. Ukraine’s leaders are meticulously strategizing to prevent provoking economic repercussions from their allies.

Question2:
Will Russia respond with bigger grid attacks?

Answer:
Analysts suggest that while Russia might launch more intense assaults, Moscow is already hitting Ukraine’s grid at almost full capacity in the winter.

A Ukrainian sea drone shows the Dashan, a sanctioned oil tanker, being struck by another sea drone in the Black Sea on Tuesday, in a still from a video shared by Ukraine’s Security Service. 
Security Service/Reuters

Question3:
Might energy pressure compel Russia to enter negotiations?

Answer:
Not right away. However, ongoing damage to income sources could strain the Kremlin’s long-term stability.

Ukraine’s Statement: “If You Strike Our Energy, We Will Strike Yours”

Ukrainian officials stress that this approach is about symmetry, not escalation. They contend that Russia initiated an energy war right from the beginning — starting with the attacks on Kyiv’s power facilities to efforts to freeze millions of residents during winter.

Ukraine asserts that by retaliating, it is simply reestablishing equilibrium on the battlefield.

“Our aim is not to weaken Russia’s populace,” a high-ranking adviser stated to Xenix News. “Our objective is to diminish the system that finances and supports this invasion.”

Where the Energy Conflict Leads Next

Ukraine’s capacity is growing. Russia’s weaknesses are growing. The patience of the West is under scrutiny. The economic consequences continue to be uncertain.

It is evident that Ukraine now considers energy infrastructure as legitimate targets — and that the upcoming months could reshape the conflict not just on the battlefield but throughout the landscape of Russia’s extensive oil sector.

This is no longer merely a conflict on the battlefield.

It is a battle of power, petroleum, energy, and resilience — and Ukraine plans to confront it on all possible fronts