Orthodox Church condemns attacks on Christians in Jordan, Palestine

The Orthodox Church strongly denounced a series of attacks on Christians in Palestine and Jordan on Saturday. The violence erupted following a fatal shooting at a burial ceremony in Hamoud, a village in southern Jordan. Nine individuals lost their lives and approximately 40 were injured in the attack. King Abdullah II and Jordanian officials vowed to apprehend those responsible. Security forces have increased their presence in Karak, the affected region.

The Orthodox Public Affairs Committee (OPAC) expressed outrage over the escalating violence, intimidation, and brutality faced by Christian communities. The statement asked, "How many more innocent Christians must be attacked, terrorized, or killed before the international community takes meaningful action?" The church emphasized that the killing of mourners at the burial was an act of "profound cruelty."

OPAC called for Israeli authorities to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators behind the attack in Taybeh, a village in the West Bank. They demanded an end to extremist settler violence and guaranteed safety for Palestinian Christian communities.

Jordanian officials were likewise urged to bring those responsible for the church funeral shooting to justice and protect Christian worshippers and religious institutions. The Orthodox Church urged global entities such as the United Nations, the United States, and European governments to press for accountability and adequate security for vulnerable Christian locales.

Russia also condemned the "cynical act of terrorism" in Jordan, stating that it aimed to undermine interfaith peace and harmony in Jordanian society. The Russian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its solidarity with Jordan in the fight against terrorism and extremism.