Good Friday Turns Tragic as Israeli Strikes Kill 58 in Gaza
As Christians around the world observed Good Friday with solemn rituals and remembrance, a sense of faith and devotion was brutally interrupted in 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 on Friday, April 22, marked a stark contrast to the peaceful and somber atmosphere that usually accompanies Good Friday, a significant Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Instead, the sounds of sirens and explosions pierced the air, shattering the quiet and sending residents of Gaza scrambling for cover.
The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes against Palestinian militant groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, citing concerns over the groups’ military activities and rocket fire into Israeli territory. However, the severity of the attacks and the sheer number of civilian casualties have sparked widespread outrage and condemnation.
“We are witnessing a tragedy of epic proportions,” said Dr. Ashraf al-Qedra, a spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry. “The bombing campaign has caused immense suffering and destruction, and we are struggling to cope with the sheer scale of the casualties.”
Medical personnel in Gaza reported receiving over 200 wounded individuals, with many more feared trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings. The hospitals, already stretched to capacity due to Israel’s strict blockade on the territory, were overwhelmed by the influx of patients.
As the news of the attacks spread, Christians and Muslims alike took to the streets to mourn the loss of life and call for an end to the violence. Protests erupted in cities across the West Bank and Gaza, with demonstrators chanting slogans and waving Palestinian flags.
“This is not just about Good Friday; this is about the daily reality of life in Gaza,” said Palestinian Christian leader, Jamal Khader. “We are not asking for much – just the right to live in peace and security, free from the constant threat of violence and oppression.”
The Good Friday attacks have added to the growing list of humanitarian crises in Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinians live under Israel’s blockade, which has been in place since 2007. The blockade has led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and a severe shortage of basic goods and services.
The international community has been vocal in its condemnation of the Israeli attacks, with the United Nations calling for an immediate end to the violence and the European Union urging Israel to exercise restraint. However, the Israeli government has remained defiant, citing its right to defend its citizens from what it claims is a constant threat from Palestinian militant groups.
As the world reflects on the devastating consequences of the Good Friday attacks, it is essential to remember that the people of Gaza are not just statistics or news headlines – they are human beings deserving of dignity, respect, and the right to live in peace.
In the face of such tragedy and devastation, it is more crucial than ever to uphold the principles of compassion, empathy, and justice. The people of Gaza, and indeed the entire world, deserve better than to witness such senseless violence and destruction.
Source: https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
