Good Friday Turns Tragic as Israeli Strikes Kill 58 in Gaza
As Christians around the world observed Good Friday with solemn rituals and remembrance, tragedy struck Gaza, where Israeli air raids took the lives of at least 58 Palestinians in a single day. 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 day of reflection and mourning for Christians was marred by the devastating airstrikes, which left scores of families grieving and entire communities in shock. The Israeli military claimed that the strikes were targeted at Hamas military positions and infrastructure, but witnesses and medical staff reported widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of utter chaos and devastation as bombs rained down on residential areas, markets, and mosques. “I was in my home when I heard the explosion,” said Amira Al-Khateeb, a resident of Gaza City. “I saw my neighbor’s house destroyed, and people running for their lives. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 58 people were killed, including 17 children, and over 300 others were injured. Many of the wounded were rushed to hospitals in critical condition, with medics working around the clock to treat the injured.
The deadliest strike occurred in the northern Gaza Strip, where a bomb hit a residential building, killing 14 people, including six children. In Gaza City, a strike on a mosque during Friday prayers killed 10 worshippers.
The violence did not discriminate between age or gender, with children, women, and the elderly among the victims. “I was with my family in our home when the bomb struck,” said Hassan Al-Najjar, a father of three. “I saw my children, my wife, and my neighbor’s children all killed. It was like the end of the world.”
The Israeli military claimed that the strikes were a response to Hamas rockets that had been fired into Israel. However, human rights groups and international organizations have repeatedly criticized Israel’s use of force, which they say disproportionately affects civilians and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As the international community condemned the violence, calls for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict grew louder. “We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to take immediate steps to prevent further escalation of the situation,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The United States, Israel’s closest ally, also issued a statement calling for a “de-escalation” of tensions. However, critics argue that the US has long been complicit in Israel’s actions, providing billions of dollars in military aid and diplomatic support.
In the face of such devastation and loss, many Gazans are left wondering if their lives will ever be free from the fear of violence and occupation. As one resident expressed it, “We are just trying to survive, but it seems like the world is against us. We are not asking for much – just to be able to live in peace and safety.”
Source:
https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
