UN Secretary-General condemns terrorist attack in Jordan and settler violence in West Bank

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned a terrorist attack at the Hammoud Church in Jordan. The attack targeted citizens participating in a funeral service, resulting in seven deaths and numerous injuries. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described the incident as ‘particularly horrific,’ noting that the targeting of a place of worship during funeral rites violates international norms regarding the protection of religious sites and the deceased.

In separate remarks, Guterres addressed the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. He criticized the ongoing Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank, stating that the ‘clear goal is to expel communities from their land.’ He also highlighted the severe restrictions on essential aid entering the Gaza Strip and warned that humanitarian funding remains critically insufficient, noting that the World Food Programme requires $450 million to sustain operations in Gaza and the West Bank over the next six months.