Jordan, Orthodox church attack kills eight Hezbollah: 'Terrorist act against humanity'

The death toll from the attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in Hammoud, located in Jordan’s southern Karak governorate, rose to eight after one injured victim succumbed to their wounds, Health Minister Ibrahim Al-Bdour announced. The minister stated that 26 individuals remain hospitalized following the incident. Earlier Friday reports had indicated seven deaths and 34 injuries. The attack targeted worshippers gathered for prayer at the church. Mohammad Khansa, head of relations with Christian institutions and parties for the Shia movement Hezbollah, condemned the violence. He described the event as a heinous terrorist act against humanity and a blatant desecration of holy sites. Khansa characterized the massacre of ordinary people as part of a series of terrorist activities causing death and destruction in the region over recent years. The group expressed condolences to the Jordanian nation and the victims’ families, praying for the mercy of the deceased and the recovery of the wounded. The Council of Churches in the Middle East issued a statement expressing deep outrage and firm condemnation. The body argued that targeting churches and places of worship violates the sanctity of sacred spaces and shared human values. It emphasized that such locations exist to serve as houses of peace, hope, and prayer, not scenes of fear and killing. The council expressed confidence that authorities would fully investigate the circumstances of the crime. Patriarch Theophilus III of Jerusalem led a memorial service for the victims. He invoked eternal rest for those killed, comfort for their families, and peace for a region marked by violence. The Patriarchate noted that the attack plunged both the institution and Jordanian society into profound mourning. It highlighted that Jordan has historically been distinguished by peaceful coexistence and fraternity among its different religious communities. In separate developments, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation reported casualties at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in the country’s eastern province. One resident died and eight others were injured in an attack on the facility. The injured were transported to hospitals for treatment. The announcement regarding the airport incident was made on October 22, 2026. No specific details regarding the nature of the attack on the airport were provided in the available information. The two incidents occurred in different countries within the Middle East region during the same reporting period. Authorities in both nations responded to the emergencies, with hospitalization figures confirmed for the Jordanian church attack and casualty counts released for the Saudi airport strike.