Keir Starmer has faced fierce backlash after posting a happy Hanukkha message just moments after gunmen are said to have opened fire at Bondi beach, Australia, during annual Jewish celebrations.
"As Jewish communities come together to celebrate Chanukah, I send my warmest wishes to families across the UK and around the world," the Prime Minister wrote.
"May the Festival of Lights bring hope, peace and comfort.
"Chanukah Sameach."
The post sparked fury amid the ongoing scenes in Australia. One individual replied saying: "The worst timed tweet in the history of this app."
Another said: "Starmer is a robot. Currently in ‘sleep mode’."
A third added: "You might want to pull this down."
While a fourth said: "Delete this man...people just been killed on the same event."
Keir Starmer has faced fierce backlash after posting a happy Hanukkha message just moments after gunmen are said to have opened fire at Bondi beach, Australia, during annual Jewish celebrations
|PA
The Prime Minister addressed the ongoing situation in Australia some 59 minutes after his original post, saying: "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."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she would speak with her Australian counterpart later on Sunday about the incident on Bondi Beach.
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The Prime Minister's tweet comes as two gunmen opened fire at Bondi beach during Jewish celebrations
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Speaking to the BBC, she said: "I’ve just seen the breaking news as I’ve arrived into the studio here this morning.
"I can fully understand the anxiety this might be causing people here at home about relatives over in Australia, but first and foremost, our thoughts must be with the victims of this attack in Australia and with with the Australian people as well.
"We will obviously watch closely as details emerge of what exactly has happened, and I’ll be talking to my Australian counterpart later on today."
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage took to social media, writing: "The Hanukkah party shooting in Australia is horrendous. The threat is everywhere."
Kemi Badenoch said: "Heartbreaking scenes emerging from Bondi Beach of what looks like another despicable terrorist atrocity.
"As Jews across the UK gather to welcome Chanukah, we must once again remind ourselves of the enduring power of the story of the Maccabees, not only to Jewish history but to universal themes of resilience, courage, and hope.
"We need them more than ever in the battle of light over darkness."
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