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 â from Khan Younis to Rafah â according to medical personnel.
The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes on Friday, targeting alleged Hamas militant sites and infrastructure. The attacks came as a surprise to many, as previous agreements had been made to reduce tensions and maintain a fragile ceasefire in the region.
“It’s a day of great sadness and grief for the people of Gaza,” said Dr. Rami Abdu, a spokesperson for the Gaza Ministry of Health. “We are doing our best to provide medical care to those who have been injured, but it’s a daunting task. Our hospitals are overwhelmed, and we are running out of supplies.”
The attacks began early in the morning, with a series of explosions rocking the Gaza City neighborhood of Sheikh Radwan. Witnesses described the sound of sirens and the smell of smoke and fire as Israeli fighter jets and drones circled overhead.
“I was in my home when I heard the explosion,” said Amira al-Hassan, a resident of Sheikh Radwan. “I ran outside and saw people running and screaming. It was chaos. I saw a building collapse, and people were trapped inside. It was a terrible scene.”
As the day wore on, the attacks continued, with multiple strikes reported in the northern Gaza Strip. The town of Beit Hanoun was particularly hard hit, with multiple homes and buildings destroyed or damaged.
“The situation is catastrophic,” said Dr. Ayman Sahbani, a doctor at the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. “We are seeing many injuries, including children and women. We are doing our best to treat them, but it’s a challenge. We need more supplies and equipment to help those who have been injured.”
The Israeli military has claimed that the attacks were necessary to target Hamas militant sites and infrastructure. However, human rights organizations have criticized the attacks, saying that they have caused widespread civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
“The Israeli military’s actions are unacceptable,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, the Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. “They are deliberately targeting civilian areas and infrastructure, causing widespread harm to innocent people. This is a violation of international humanitarian law and must be stopped.”
As the people of Gaza struggle to come to terms with the devastating attacks, the international community is calling for calm and an end to the violence.
“We urge both sides to exercise restraint and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations. “The UN is committed to supporting the people of Gaza and working towards a lasting peace in the region.”
As the world marks the solemn occasion of Good Friday, the people of Gaza are left to mourn the loss of life and to wonder when the violence will end.
“It’s a day of great sadness and grief for us,” said Dr. Abdu. “We can only hope that the international community will take action to stop the violence and to bring peace to our region.”
Source: https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
