Australian police say Bondi Beach shooting was inspired by Islamic State : NPR

Australian authorities have declared the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State group. The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, resulted in 15 fatalities.

Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the determination on Tuesday, citing evidence collected during the investigation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the assessment was based on evidence, including the presence of Islamic State flags found in the suspects' vehicle.

The suspects have been identified as a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The older man, named Sajid Akram by state officials, was killed during the incident. His son is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.

As of Tuesday, 25 individuals remained hospitalized, with 10 in critical condition. Among the injured are three children being treated at a children's hospital. Ahmed al Ahmed, who was filmed tackling and disarming one of the assailants, is also hospitalized. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years old.

Following the shooting, Prime Minister Albanese has pledged to tighten Australia's gun laws. These reforms would be the most significant since 1996, when a mass shooting in Port Arthur, Tasmania, resulted in 35 deaths. Australia has had relatively few mass shootings since then.

Authorities are under pressure to explain how the suspects were able to plan and execute the attack, and whether the Jewish community was adequately protected against rising antisemitism. Albanese said the older suspect had legally amassed a cache of six weapons, prompting the push for stricter gun control.

Commissioner Barrett described the suspects as callous, stating they "appeared to have no regard for the age or ableness of their victims" and were "interested only in a quest for a death tally."

Police are investigating the suspects' recent trip to the Philippines. According to New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, the suspects traveled to the Philippines last month, and investigators are looking into the purpose of their trip and their destination within the country. Lanyon also confirmed that the younger suspect's vehicle contained improvised explosive devices and two homemade ISIS flags. The Philippines Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, 24, traveled to Davao City from November 1 to November 28. Australian authorities have not officially named the younger suspect.

While groups like Abu Sayyaf once expressed support for the Islamic State in the southern Philippines, decades of military offensives have weakened these groups. Philippine officials have stated there is no recent indication of foreign militants in the region.

Prime Minister Albanese visited Ahmed al Ahmed in the hospital, calling him "a true Australian hero." Al Ahmed is scheduled for further surgery for shotgun wounds sustained during the attack. Albanese emphasized the country's unity and resilience in the face of terrorism.

Bondi Beach lifeguards have been praised for their actions during the massacre. One lifeguard, Rory Davey, performed an ocean rescue as people fled into the sea. Another, Jackson Doolan, was seen running towards the scene with a first aid kit. Anthony Caroll of "Bondi Rescue" commended the lifeguards for their bravery in entering a dangerous situation.

Following the tragedy, a record number of Australians have signed up to donate blood. Lifeblood reported nearly 50,000 appointments booked on Monday, more than double the previous record. Israel's Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, visited the site and expressed his sorrow, while former Prime Minister John Howard, who oversaw the 1996 gun law overhaul, also paid his respects. Thousands have visited Bondi Beach to pay tribute to the victims.