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 â according to medical personnel.
The Israeli military claimed that the strikes were aimed at Hamas targets, but the devastating toll on civilians has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. The attacks, which began early in the morning and continued throughout the day, left hundreds more injured, with many in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of utter chaos and destruction, with buildings reduced to rubble and streets littered with debris. “I was in my home when I heard the sound of the bombing,” said Fatima al-Najjar, a 35-year-old mother of four who lost her husband and two children in the attack. “I ran outside to see what was happening, and that’s when I saw the destruction. My family, my friends, my neighbors â everything was gone.”
The attacks came as Palestinians in Gaza were preparing to mark the holy day of Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Churches and mosques across the territory were filled with worshipers, many of whom had gathered to pray and reflect on the significance of the day.
“I came to the mosque to pray and to remember the suffering of Christ,” said Ahmed Abu Sneineh, a 28-year-old student who was caught in the chaos. “But as I was leaving, I heard the sound of the bombing. I ran back to the mosque and found people crying and screaming. It was like the end of the world.”
The Israeli military claimed that the strikes were carried out in response to a barrage of rockets fired by Hamas militants into southern Israel earlier in the day. But human rights groups and medical officials have accused Israel of using excessive force and targeting civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, and hospitals.
“The Israeli military’s actions today are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of their policies,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The use of force must be proportionate and lawful, and the Israeli military’s actions today fell far short of that standard.”
As news of the attacks spread, protests erupted across the globe, with thousands taking to the streets to demand an end to the violence and an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.
In Gaza, medical personnel struggled to cope with the influx of wounded, many of whom were in critical condition. “We are overwhelmed,” said Dr. Moaiya Hassanain, the head of the Gaza Strip’s hospital authorities. “We are doing our best to treat the wounded, but it’s a huge challenge. We need more medical supplies, more equipment, and more staff to deal with this crisis.”
The United Nations has called for an immediate end to the violence and for both sides to exercise restraint. “The United Nations is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza,” said a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. “We urge all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”
As the world mourns the loss of life and the devastating toll of the Israeli strikes, the people of Gaza are left to pick up the pieces and try to rebuild their shattered lives. “Today was a day of great suffering,” said Abdelrahman al-Astal, a 40-year-old father of five who lost his home in the attack. “But we will not forget the innocent lives lost. We will not forget the destruction. We will continue to resist and to fight for our right to live in peace and dignity.”
Source:
https://newskarnataka.com/world/faith-flickers-in-gaza-as-bombs-fall-on-good-friday/20042025/
