Good Friday turns tragic as Israeli strikes kill 58 in Gaza
As Christians around the world gathered to commemorate Good Friday with solemn rituals and remembrance, a sense of tragedy and despair gripped the Gaza Strip. In a shocking turn of events, Israeli air raids killed at least 58 Palestinians in a single day, marking one of the deadliest days in recent history of the region. The bombing campaign, which was carried out across the entire Gaza Strip, leaving a trail of destruction and devastation in its wake.
According to medical personnel, the majority of the casualties were reported in Gaza City and the northern region, with bombings also reported in Khan Younis and Rafah. The precise number of casualties is still unclear, with many more injured and missing. The situation on the ground is dire, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of chaos and panic as families scrambled to find shelter and safety.
The Israeli military launched the airstrikes in the early hours of Good Friday, with the first wave of attacks targeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure. The strikes continued throughout the day, with the Israeli military claiming that they were targeting militant positions and weapon storage facilities. However, the majority of the casualties were civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.
The bombing campaign has sent shockwaves across the globe, with many expressing outrage and condemnation at the Israeli military’s actions. The international community has called for an immediate end to the violence and for the Israeli military to exercise restraint. The United Nations has also called for an investigation into the attacks, with the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, stating that the attacks were “indiscriminate and disproportionate”.
The attacks have also had a profound impact on the residents of Gaza, who are already living in dire circumstances. The Gaza Strip is home to over 2 million Palestinians, who are struggling to survive in one of the most impoverished and densely populated areas in the world. The Israeli military’s actions have only added to the suffering and hardship of the people of Gaza, who are being forced to live in constant fear of attack and bombardment.
The incident has also highlighted the deepening divide between the Israeli government and the Palestinian people. For decades, the two sides have been locked in a cycle of violence and conflict, with the Israeli military occupying the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The situation has been exacerbated by the Israeli government’s continued construction of settlements in the West Bank, which has been widely condemned as illegal under international law.
The attacks on Good Friday have also raised questions about the role of religion in the conflict. For many Christians around the world, Good Friday is a day of solemn reflection and remembrance, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The attacks in Gaza have served as a stark reminder of the importance of tolerance, understanding, and peace, and the need for all parties to work towards a resolution to the conflict.
In a statement, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, Suheil Dawani, called for an end to the violence and for an immediate ceasefire. “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza,” he said. “These attacks are a clear violation of international law and a grave affront to the dignity and humanity of the people of Gaza. We call on all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and to prioritize the safety and well-being of all civilians.”
As the people of Gaza struggle to come to terms with the devastating impact of the Israeli military’s actions, the international community must stand in solidarity with them. We must demand an end to the violence and a commitment to peace and reconciliation. We must also recognize the deep-seated root causes of the conflict, and work towards a resolution that is just and equitable for all parties involved.
In the words of the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, “The world is watching and the world is waiting for a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict. We must work together to ensure that the people of Gaza, and all those affected by the conflict, can live in peace and security.”
Source:
https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
