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 was supposed to be a day of reflection and prayer for Christians, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Instead, it turned into a day of chaos and devastation for the people of Gaza. The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes, targeting what they claimed were Hamas military targets, but the reality on the ground was far more dire.
The first strike occurred in the early hours of the morning, with a series of explosions rocking the Gaza City neighborhood of Sheikh Ajlin. Medical personnel rushed to the scene, only to find that multiple buildings had been destroyed, leaving dozens of people trapped under the rubble.
As the day wore on, the attacks continued, with reports of bombings in the northern Gaza city of Beit Hanoun, as well as in the town of Jabalia. The Israeli military claimed that they were targeting Hamas military positions, but eyewitnesses described scenes of utter chaos and destruction.
“It was like the end of the world,” said Ahmed Abu Jamee, a resident of Gaza City. “I was in my home when the bombs started falling. I heard the screams of my neighbors, and I saw the buildings around me crumbling. I was lucky to escape with my life, but so many others were not so fortunate.”
The death toll continued to rise throughout the day, with medical personnel struggling to cope with the sheer scale of the disaster. The Gaza Strip’s main hospital, the Shifa Hospital, was overwhelmed with the influx of wounded patients, and medical staff described scenes of utter chaos and devastation.
“It’s a nightmare,” said Dr. Ashraf al-Qidra, the Gaza Health Ministry’s spokesperson. “We are doing everything we can to save as many lives as possible, but it’s a huge challenge. We are facing a medical disaster, and we need international help immediately.”
As the news of the attacks spread, outrage and condemnation poured in from around the world. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, issued a statement calling for an immediate end to the violence, and demanding that both Israel and Hamas respect international law and protect civilians.
“The loss of life is unacceptable, and it is essential that we work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” said Guterres. “I urge all parties to exercise restraint and to prioritize the safety of civilians, who are paying the highest price for this conflict.”
The United States, Israel’s closest ally, also issued a statement condemning the attacks, but stopped short of calling for an immediate halt to the violence. “We condemn the launching of rockets from Gaza into Israel and the repeated attempts to harm innocent civilians,” said a State Department spokesperson. “We urge all parties to respect international law and to prioritize the safety of civilians.”
As the dust settles on this devastating day, the people of Gaza are left to pick up the pieces and mourn the loss of their loved ones. The Israeli military has stopped its airstrikes for the time being, but the threat of further violence remains ever-present.
In the midst of this chaos and devastation, it is easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Good Friday. But for those who suffered today, it is clear that the message of sacrifice and redemption is more relevant than ever.
As Christians around the world continue to observe the holiest of days, they would do well to remember the people of Gaza, who were forced to endure a day of unspeakable horror and tragedy. May their suffering serve as a reminder of the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and peace.
Source: https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
