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 devastating tragedy struck the Gaza Strip, where Israeli air raids claimed the lives of at least 58 Palestinians in a single day. The deadly assaults occurred in Gaza City and the northern region, with bombings reported across the entire Strip, from Khan Younis to Rafah, according to medical personnel.
The day of observance, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, was meant to be a time of reflection and spiritual contemplation for millions of Christians worldwide. However, for the people of Gaza, it turned into a day of unspeakable horror and loss. The Israeli military carried out a series of air strikes, targeting alleged Hamas positions and infrastructure, but civilian homes and buildings were also caught in the crossfire.
The devastating toll of the attacks was confirmed by medical personnel and eyewitnesses, who described the scenes of destruction and chaos that ensued. “We were observing Good Friday in our church when we heard the loud explosions,” said Father Jamal Khoury, a local priest. “We immediately rushed to the scene, and what we saw was unbearable. The streets were filled with the wounded, and the bodies of the dead were scattered everywhere.”
The attacks began early in the morning, with Israeli warplanes and drones carrying out a series of strikes across the Gaza Strip. The first wave of attacks targeted the northern region, where several residential buildings were hit, causing widespread damage and casualties. The city of Beit Lahia was particularly affected, with multiple buildings reduced to rubble and many residents injured or killed.
As the day wore on, the attacks continued, with the Israeli military claiming to have targeted Hamas “command centers” and “military infrastructure.” However, eyewitnesses and local authorities disputed this claim, saying that many of the strikes hit civilian areas, including homes, schools, and hospitals. The city of Gaza City was also hit, with several buildings destroyed and many residents trapped under the rubble.
The death toll from the attacks was staggering, with at least 58 Palestinians killed and over 300 injured. Many of the victims were women and children, who were caught in the crossfire or trapped in buildings that were hit by Israeli bombs. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that several of its facilities were damaged or destroyed, including a school and a hospital.
The international community was quick to condemn the Israeli attacks, with many governments and human rights organizations calling for an immediate end to the violence. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, issued a statement expressing his “grave concern” over the situation and urging both sides to exercise restraint.
“We condemn the Israeli military’s actions and call for an immediate end to the violence,” said a spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority. “We also demand that the international community take immediate action to protect the people of Gaza and hold Israel accountable for its actions.”
The attacks on Gaza came just days after a surge in violence between Israel and Hamas, which has been ongoing for months. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians and several Israeli soldiers, as well as widespread destruction and displacement.
As the world continues to grapple with the devastating impact of the Israeli attacks, the people of Gaza are left to pick up the pieces and mourn the loss of their loved ones. The tragedy of Good Friday serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the need for a lasting solution to the crisis in the region.
Source:
https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
