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, which began on Friday morning, left dozens of others injured, many of whom are in critical condition. The sounds of explosions and gunfire echoed through the streets of Gaza City, shattering the usually somber atmosphere of Good Friday. The Strip’s residents were forced to flee their homes, seeking shelter from the relentless bombardment.
The latest violence marks a significant escalation in the already volatile situation in Gaza, where Israeli forces have been conducting near-constant airstrikes and artillery bombardments in recent weeks. The attacks have been met with fierce resistance from Palestinian militants, leading to a significant uptick in violence.
According to eyewitnesses, the Israeli military launched multiple waves of airstrikes throughout the day, targeting infrastructure, residential areas, and civilian targets. The airstrikes were accompanied by heavy artillery fire, which continued long after the initial attacks.
“It was like a war zone,” said Dr. Ali Abu Aloula, a Gaza City resident who witnessed the attacks. “The sounds of explosions and gunfire were non-stop. I saw families fleeing their homes, carrying their belongings and crying. It was a terrifying scene.”
The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that at least 58 Palestinians were killed in the attacks, including women, children, and elderly individuals. The ministry also reported that over 300 people were injured, many of whom suffered severe wounds.
The Israeli military claimed that the strikes were carried out in response to rocket attacks launched by Palestinian militants. However, many have criticized the military’s actions, calling them disproportionate and indiscriminate.
“Israel’s military is using excessive force, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure,” said Dr. Omar Shaban, a Gaza-based analyst. “The situation in Gaza is dire, and the international community must take action to stop the violence and protect the Palestinian people.”
The attacks have sparked widespread condemnation from around the world. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate end to the violence, saying that “the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure is unacceptable and must stop.”
The European Union also issued a statement, urging Israel to “exercise restraint” and calling for an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire. The statement also expressed “deep concern” over the “suffering and loss of life” in Gaza.
The United States, however, has been more muted in its response, with a State Department spokesperson saying that “Israel has the right to defend itself” and calling on both sides to “cease hostilities.”
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, many are calling for an international response to the crisis. The international community must come together to pressure Israel to stop its military actions and to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
In the meantime, the residents of Gaza are left to pick up the pieces and mourn the loss of their loved ones. As they do, they are reminded of the harsh realities of life under occupation and the importance of standing up against injustice.
As the world moves forward, it is crucial that we remember the faces of the victims of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, and that we work towards a future where such tragedies are a thing of the past.
Source: https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
