Good Friday Turns Tragic as Israeli Strikes Kill 58 in Gaza
As the world observed Good Friday with solemn rituals and remembrance, a sense of devastation and despair engulfed the Gaza Strip. In a brutal display of military might, Israeli air raids killed at least 58 Palestinians in a single day, shattering the fragile calm that had been maintained in the region. The deadliest assaults occurred in Gaza City and the northern region, though bombings were reported across the entire Strip, from Khan Younis to Rafah, according to medical personnel.
The tragic events unfolded on a day when Christians around the globe were commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, marking the end of the Lenten season. In Gaza, however, the somber mood was punctuated by the sound of explosions, sirens, and the wails of grieving families. The Israeli military claimed that the airstrikes were targeting militant positions, but eyewitness accounts and medical reports paint a harrowing picture of civilian casualties and destruction.
The deadliest attack occurred in Gaza City, where a series of airstrikes hit residential areas, killing at least 21 people, including children, women, and elderly individuals. The assault on the densely populated neighborhood of Shuja’iyya left many more injured, with reports of severe damage to buildings and infrastructure.
In the northern region, the town of Beit Hanoun was also hit, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people, including several children. The attack on this town, which is located near the border with Israel, sparked widespread panic and fears of further escalation.
The Israeli military has maintained that the airstrikes were intended to disrupt the activities of militant groups, such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which have been launching rockets into Israeli territory. However, critics have accused the Israeli government of using excessive force, causing unnecessary civilian casualties, and perpetuating a cycle of violence and retaliation.
The United Nations has condemned the Israeli military’s actions, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urging both sides to exercise restraint. “The repeated attacks on Gaza are unacceptable and must stop,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “The world is watching, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the most vulnerable among us – the children, women, and men of Gaza – are protected.”
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also expressed deep concern over the situation, highlighting the dire humanitarian needs of the people in Gaza. “The ongoing violence and the lack of access to basic necessities, such as food, water, and medical care, are exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza,” said ICR C spokesperson, Ariane Rummery.
The tragic events on Good Friday have sent shockwaves across the globe, with many expressing horror and outrage at the scale of destruction and loss of life. As the world struggles to make sense of the violence, one thing is clear: the people of Gaza are paying the highest price for a conflict that shows no signs of abating.
In the midst of this chaos and devastation, the faith and resilience of the people in Gaza remain a beacon of hope. Despite the overwhelming odds against them, Gazans continue to find solace in their religious beliefs, community, and determination to rebuild and persevere.
As the world observes Good Friday with solemn rituals and remembrance, it is essential to remember the victims of the Israeli airstrikes and the countless others who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. It is also crucial to hold those responsible accountable and to work towards a lasting and peaceful resolution.
Source: https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
