AMMAN, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Palestinian Scholars Association (PSA) on Friday condemned an armed attack targeting mourners during a funeral at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Karak governorate, southern Jordan, stressing that attacks against Jordanian Christians affect society as a whole and that attempts to incite sectarian division serve Israeli interests.
In a statement, the Association expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the attack, which left several people dead and dozens wounded, describing it as a violation of the sanctity of human life and places of worship, as well as a threat to Jordan’s security and national unity.
The PSA stressed that shedding innocent blood inside places of worship is strictly prohibited in Islam. It warned against attempts to give such crimes a religious justification, saying they misrepresent Islam and distort its teachings, which emphasize the protection of human life.
It added that such actions fuel hostility and division among members of the same society, emphasizing that targeting Jordanian Christians does not affect one religious community alone, but threatens Jordanian society in all its diversity.
It warned that spreading discord and undermining national and religious cohesion ultimately serve the interests of the Israeli occupation, calling it a threat to Jordan, Palestine and the wider region.
The Association called for confronting hate speech and incitement, preserving Jordan’s unity and security, and protecting its national and religious fabric.
It stressed that every attack on innocent lives constitutes a crime that must be condemned and prosecuted, regardless of the perpetrators’ identities or the justifications they offer.
The PSA also extended its condolences to the victims’ families and the Jordanian people, wished the wounded a speedy recovery, and urged Muslims and Christians in Jordan to strengthen their solidarity and unity.
It called on both communities to reject attempts to spread hatred and division and to stand together against violence in defense of the country’s security and the dignity of its people.
According to the latest figures cited in the report, seven people were killed and 34 others wounded when gunmen opened fire during funeral proceedings at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in the village of Hammoud in Karak governorate on Friday.
Media reports said the attackers arrived near the church in a vehicle and fired at mourners before fleeing the scene.
Jordanian security authorities subsequently launched an investigation and began pursuing those responsible.
At the time of the statement, authorities had not announced the attackers’ identities or established motives, and no group had claimed responsibility for the shooting.
