Good Friday turns tragic as Israeli strikes kill 58 in Gaza
As Christians around the globe 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 came as Gaza’s vulnerable population, already reeling from the ongoing humanitarian crisis, was forced to confront yet another brutal reminder of the conflict’s devastating toll. The Israeli military claimed that the airstrikes were targeting Hamas operatives and infrastructure, but the Palestinian Health Ministry reported that the majority of those killed were civilians, including several children and women.
The day’s events began early in the morning, with a series of airstrikes that rocked Gaza City and its surrounding areas. Sirens wailed as residents scrambled to take cover, while ambulances and rescue teams rushed to the scene to treat the wounded. The sounds of explosions and gunfire echoed through the streets, sending a sense of panic and fear through the community.
As the day wore on, the death toll continued to rise, with reports of multiple strikes hitting residential areas, schools, and humanitarian facilities. The Gaza-based Al Mezan Center for Human Rights reported that at least 300 people were injured, many critically, while entire families were left homeless and displaced by the bombing.
“It was like a nightmare come to life,” said Fatima, a resident of Gaza City who witnessed the airstrikes. “I was in my home with my children when the bombs started falling. We were lucky to make it out alive, but many others weren’t so fortunate. I don’t know how much more of this our people can take.”
The Israeli military claimed that the strikes were justified, citing the need to prevent Hamas from launching rockets into Israel. However, human rights groups and international organizations have long criticized Israel’s use of military force in Gaza, arguing that it disproportionately targets civilians and exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.
“This is not just about Hamas or the Israeli military – it’s about the lives of innocent people who are caught in the crossfire,” said Dr. Rania Abu Shaqqa, a Gaza-based physician with the World Health Organization. “We’ve seen time and time again that these airstrikes only serve to further destabilize the situation and make it harder for us to provide essential medical care to those in need.”
As the international community continues to grapple with the fallout from the Israeli airstrikes, there are growing concerns about the long-term impact on Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system. The Strip is home to over 2 million people, most of whom rely on humanitarian aid to survive. With medical supplies and equipment in short supply, the risk of disease outbreaks and medical emergencies is increasingly high.
“We’re doing everything we can to respond to the crisis, but it’s getting harder and harder,” said Dr. Abu Shaqqa. “We need the international community to step up and provide the necessary support to help us keep people safe and healthy. Anything less would be unacceptable.”
In the face of such tragedy, it is worth remembering that Good Friday is not just about solemn rituals and remembrance – it is also about hope and compassion. As we reflect on the sacrifices made by Christ, let us not forget the countless Palestinians who have paid the ultimate price for their faith, their culture, and their very way of life.
“We may be a small and vulnerable people, but we will not be silenced,” said Fatima, her voice trembling with emotion. “We will continue to pray for peace and justice, and we will continue to fight for our right to live free from fear and oppression. That is the message of Good Friday – and that is the message of Gaza.”
Sources:
https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
