King Abdullah II has said Jordan will stand firm after a lethal assault on a church in the southern city of Karak last month. Opening a new session of parliament in the capital, Amman, on Monday, he described a “treacherous hand of terrorism” that had tried to test the strength of the state and the determination of its people.
The king said the attackers did not belong to the nation and had no place among Jordanians, now or in the future. The attack, about two weeks earlier, killed nine people and wounded dozens. At his request, lawmakers observed a minute of silence, and relatives of the victims attended the session.
King vows firm response to terrorism and extremism
Ahmed Jarrar, reporting from Amman, said Abdullah made clear that Jordan would tackle terrorism and extremism first by relying on national unity and public awareness. The army and security services would back that effort and act forcefully, he said, striking “with an iron fist”.
Also read: Thousands mourn victims of Jordan church attack in Karak
Abdullah also addressed regional tensions, warning that Israeli expansionism poses the greatest danger to the Middle East. He said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was ongoing and that repeated assaults continued in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Water security and warnings to officials
The king also pledged to protect Jordan’s limited water supplies, Jarrar said. He quoted the king as saying, “We will not allow the thirst of Jordanians to be held hostage by any party.” Jarrar said this reflected concerns that Israeli projects threaten the kingdom’s water security.
Turning to lawmakers, Abdullah said the nation is the source of authority and that parliamentary debate is healthy when it serves the national interest. “Your differences of opinion are a strength so long as Jordan’s interest is the goal,” he said, urging the government to improve living conditions.
He also warned officials against abusing their positions. “The law knows no name, no position and no influence,” he said.
