King Abdullah Vows Unwavering Stance Against Terrorism, Asserts Jordan's Security and Unity

King Abdullah II declared on Monday that Jordan will stand firm against any aggressor, emphasizing the nation's resolve following a recent deadly terrorist attack on a church. In an address to parliament, the King stated, “Jordan has been, and will remain, unyielding against any brutal aggressor, and formidable in the face of anyone who chooses to ignore its history.”

Last month, gunmen killed nine Christians and injured 34 during a funeral service at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in the Karak governorate, specifically in the village of Hmoud, approximately 80km south of Amman. Jordanian authorities have apprehended three individuals in connection with the attack.

“A few days ago, the treacherous hand of terror sought to test our state's resilience and our people's resolve. But we will stand firm,” King Abdullah asserted. He added, “We will not allow the terrorist outlaws to undermine the security and unity of this nation. These people are not [part] of us. They have left our great Jordanian family and betrayed it. They have no place among us, today or ever.” This incident marked the most lethal attack on Jordan's Christian minority since the 1950s. Christians constitute roughly 250,000 of Jordan's 11 million population, with all nine victims being men, several belonging to the prominent Halasah clan.

King Abdullah noted that the blood of the Karak victims represents a “debt we carry” and requested a moment of silence from parliament members in their memory. He highlighted that Jordan's strength is derived from its people, who become more united, perceptive, and wise when confronting hardship. “I continue to place my faith in Jordanians, in their awareness during times of uncertainty, their wisdom when emotions run high, and their devotion and loyalty when adversity strikes,” he remarked.

While Jordanian authorities have largely maintained stability since the 1970 civil war, the country has grappled with persistent economic challenges, including sluggish growth and high unemployment, with the official unemployment rate at approximately 16 percent. In his speech, the King urged the government to expedite the implementation of major projects designed to stimulate the national economy, enhance its resilience, and build upon Jordan's crucial regional role.

Furthermore, King Abdullah identified water security as a national priority, asserting that Jordan would not permit access to water to be compromised by any party. “There is no room for complacency or compromise,” he declared, directing the government to advance water-security projects and develop strategies to protect the nation's resources, ensure their sustainability, and safeguard the rights of future generations.