Several Arab nations, including Kuwait, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, along with Israel, have strongly condemned a suicide bombing at Mar Elias (St. Elias) Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria, on Sunday evening. The attack has so far killed at least 22 people and wounded 63.
Syrian authorities reported that two attackers stormed the church during Mass, opened fire, and detonated explosive belts near the entrance.
Each condemning country expressed its firm rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism, especially those targeting places of worship and terrorizing civilians. They offered condolences to the victims’ families, the Syrian government, and its people, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Qatar additionally affirmed solidarity with the Syrian government’s security efforts, and Saudi Arabia reiterated its stance against bloodshed and extremism.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also expressed shock and offered condolences, calling it a “cowardly terrorist attack.”