Title: 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 devastating attacks marred an otherwise somber and reflective day, as millions of Christians celebrated the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Gaza, however, the sounds of explosions and sirens pierced the air, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in their wake.
According to eyewitnesses, the Israeli strikes began early in the morning, with bombs raining down on residential areas and civilian targets. The attacks were carried out by Israeli fighter jets and drones, which dropped precision-guided munitions on their targets.
The majority of the casualties were civilians, including women and children, who were caught in the crossfire. Many more were injured, with hospitals in Gaza struggling to cope with the influx of wounded patients.
The deadliest attack occurred in Gaza City, where a bomb struck a densely populated residential neighborhood, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens more. In the northern region, a series of airstrikes targeted refugee camps and agricultural areas, killing at least 15 people and destroying numerous homes.
The attacks were widely condemned by human rights organizations and international leaders, who called for an immediate end to the violence. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, issued a statement expressing his deep concern over the situation, and urging both sides to exercise restraint and respect for international humanitarian law.
“We are deeply disturbed by the reports of violence and loss of life in Gaza, particularly on this sacred day of Good Friday,” said Guterres. “We urge all parties to refrain from further escalation and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”
The Israeli military claimed that the airstrikes were carried out in response to a series of rocket attacks launched by Palestinian militant groups into Israel. However, many human rights groups have criticized the Israeli military’s use of force, which they say is disproportionate and illegal under international law.
“This is a clear example of collective punishment, which is a violation of international humanitarian law,” said Raji Sourani, director of the Gaza-based Palestinian Center for Human Rights. “The Israeli military is targeting civilian areas and infrastructure, causing immense suffering and destruction. This is a war crime.”
The attacks on Gaza have also raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in the territory, which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. The blockade has led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity, and has had a devastating impact on the mental health and well-being of the population.
“This is a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate attention and action,” said Dr. Mona El-Khawaja, a Palestinian doctor who works at a hospital in Gaza. “The people of Gaza are living in a state of constant fear and uncertainty, and the Israeli military’s actions are only exacerbating the situation. We need international pressure to push for a peaceful resolution to this conflict.”
As the people of Gaza struggle to come to terms with the devastating attacks, the international community is calling for an immediate end to the violence and a return to negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The United States has already announced its support for a two-state solution, and has called on both sides to work towards a peaceful resolution.
In the meantime, the people of Gaza are left to pick up the pieces and mourn the loss of their loved ones. As they do, they are reminded of the enduring power of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.
“The people of Gaza have shown incredible courage and determination in the face of occupation and blockade,” said Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. “We will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution to this conflict, and we will not let the Israeli military’s actions deter us from our goal of achieving statehood and freedom for our people.”
As the world reflects on the tragic events of Good Friday, it is clear that the situation in Gaza is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. While the international community must continue to work towards a peaceful resolution, the people of Gaza will remain steadfast in their pursuit of freedom and self-determination.
Source: https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
