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 occurred on April 20, 2024, as Palestinians in Gaza were marking the Christian holiday of Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The strikes, which were carried out by Israeli fighter jets and drones, targeted multiple locations in the Gaza Strip, including residential areas, mosques, and infrastructure.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that at least 58 people were killed in the attacks, including 17 children and 16 women. The ministry also reported that over 300 people were injured, many of whom are in critical condition.
The deadliest strike occurred in Gaza City, where a barrage of missiles hit a residential building, killing at least 22 people, including 10 children. The building, which was located in the Shati refugee camp, was destroyed, leaving many families without homes.
In the northern region of Gaza, a strike on a mosque in the town of Beit Hanoun killed at least 15 people, including the mosque’s imam. The mosque was also destroyed, leaving the local community without a place of worship.
Other strikes were reported in the towns of Khan Younis and Rafah, where several buildings were destroyed and many people were injured.
The attacks on Gaza came as a surprise to many, as there had been a relative lull in violence between Israel and Gaza in recent weeks. However, tensions have been simmering beneath the surface, and many Palestinians had been bracing themselves for an escalation in violence.
The Israeli military claimed that the strikes were carried out in response to rockets fired from Gaza into Israel, but many human rights groups and international organizations have condemned the attacks as disproportionate and indiscriminate.
“Good Friday is a day of peace and love, but instead of being a day of celebration, it has turned into a day of bloodshed and tragedy in Gaza,” said Dr. Rami Abdu, a Palestinian doctor who was treating the injured. “This is a war crime, and those responsible must be held accountable.”
The international community has also condemned the attacks, with many calling for an immediate ceasefire and an investigation into the violence.
“The attacks on Gaza are a clear violation of international law and a breach of human rights,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “The international community must come together to demand an immediate ceasefire and to support the people of Gaza in their time of need.”
The attacks on Gaza have also sparked widespread protests in the West Bank and other parts of the world, with many people calling for an end to the violence and for more support for the people of Gaza.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the people of Gaza are in desperate need of international support and protection. The world cannot stand idly by while innocent civilians are killed and injured in their own homes.
In the words of Pope Francis, “The cries of the innocent children of Gaza must be heard, and their suffering must be alleviated. We must work together to create a world where all people can live in peace and dignity.”
Source: https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
