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 devastating attacks on the besieged Gaza Strip came as a stark contrast to the somber and reflective atmosphere that typically surrounds Good Friday, a day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The usually peaceful region was instead filled with the sounds of explosions, screams, and the cries of the wounded.
According to reports, the Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes on Friday, targeting various locations throughout Gaza, including residential areas, mosques, and agricultural lands. The attacks left a trail of destruction and chaos, with multiple buildings reduced to rubble and countless families forced to flee their homes.
The death toll, which is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, includes at least 15 children, 10 women, and 33 men, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Over 300 others were injured, many critically, with medical personnel struggling to cope with the sheer scale of the disaster.
The Israeli military claimed that the strikes were in response to a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza into Israel, which injured several people. However, human rights groups and Palestinian officials have condemned the attacks as a disproportionate and unjustified response, given the relatively small number of rockets fired and the lack of significant damage or casualties caused.
“Good Friday is a day of reflection and prayer for many Christians around the world,” said Dr. Ahmed Abu Matar, a Gaza-based physician. “But for us, it’s a day of mourning and tragedy. The Israeli attacks on our people, our homes, and our hospitals are a stark reminder of the ongoing occupation and the brutal treatment we continue to face.”
The attacks on Gaza come at a time when the region is already reeling from the economic and humanitarian crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt. The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of access to basic necessities, including medical care, food, and clean water.
As the people of Gaza struggle to come to terms with the devastating loss of life and the destruction of their homes and infrastructure, the international community is calling for an immediate end to the violence and for the Israeli government to take responsibility for its actions.
“The world should be outraged by the Israeli attacks on Gaza,” said UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov. “These attacks are a clear violation of international law and a grave violation of human rights. We urge all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution and to protect the innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.”
In the meantime, the people of Gaza are left to pick up the pieces and mourn the loss of their loved ones. As they do, they are also forced to confront the harsh realities of living under occupation and the constant threat of violence.
“Good Friday is a day of remembrance and reflection, but for us, it’s also a day of resistance and resilience,” said Dr. Matar. “We will continue to stand strong in the face of adversity and to fight for our rights and our freedom. We will not be silenced or intimidated by the Israeli occupation and its brutal tactics.”
As the world continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of the Israeli airstrikes, one thing is clear: the people of Gaza will not be forgotten. They will continue to fight for their rights and their freedom, and the world must continue to stand with them in their struggle.
Source:
https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
