International condemnation mounts after deadly church attack in Jordan’s Karak

Arab countries, European officials, and international organizations have condemned a deadly shooting at a church in Jordan’s Karak Governorate that left seven people dead and 27 others injured.

The attack took place during a funeral-related gathering at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Hamoud village, prompting expressions of solidarity with Jordan and calls for those responsible to be held accountable.

Read more: King Abdullah II visits victims injured in Karak church terrorist attack

His Majesty King Abdullah II vowed a strong response to the attack, stressing that attempts to divide Jordanians through violence would fail in the face of national unity.

“The terrorist attack against Karak will be met with the harshest retaliation,” His Majesty said. “Those who delude themselves into thinking that they can divide Jordanians with their bullets have no chance in the face of our unity.”

He added that Jordanians, from north to south, are “partners in land and fate,” emphasizing that nothing stands between them.

“Every Jordanian life is precious, and we will strike with an iron fist against those who dare to threaten our nation,” His Majesty said, extending condolences to the families of the victims and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

Arab countries express solidarity with Jordan

Several Arab countries condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

Egypt strongly condemned the shooting, describing it as a terrorist attack and reaffirming its solidarity with Jordan in confronting terrorism and violence.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed grief over the incident, stressing that targeting places of worship and mourners violates religious and humanitarian values. He extended condolences to His Majesty King Abdullah II and the victims’ families, affirming Lebanon’s support for Jordan.

The United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the attack, reiterating the country’s rejection of violence, extremism, and terrorism.

The Palestinian Presidency condemned the attack on the church, stating that targeting places of worship and civilians violates the principles of religions and would not succeed in dividing Jordanian society.

Bahrain expressed solidarity with Jordan and support for measures aimed at maintaining security, combating terrorism, and bringing those responsible to justice.

Syria voiced its full solidarity with Jordan and rejected violence targeting religious communities.

European officials condemn the attack

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said he was “horrified by the deadly attack on people attending a funeral at a church in Karak,” describing the violence as indefensible.

Tsahkna extended condolences to the victims’ families, wished the injured a speedy recovery, and called for those responsible to be brought to justice. He also affirmed Estonia’s solidarity with Jordan.

The European Union condemned the attack and expressed support for Jordan’s stability, alongside solidarity with the authorities investigating the incident.

Read more: Several killed, injured in terrorist attack on church in Jordan's Karak

Jordan vows to protect national unity

Jordanian officials have stressed that the attack will not undermine the country’s social cohesion or peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan condemned the incident as an assault on every Jordanian, stressing that terrorism has no homeland or religion and warning that those involved would be held accountable.

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Al-Khalaileh also stressed that terrorism makes no distinction between Muslims and Christians and contradicts the principles of Islam.

Jordanian security agencies continue their investigation and efforts to track down the suspects. A publication gag order remains in place, restricting the circulation of information related to the case and its investigation, according to Jordanian authorities.