Global upheaval marks start of 2024 amid conflicts and natural disasters
2024, celebrated worldwide, was overshadowed by unsettling occurrences unfolding across continents, from airstrikes in Gaza and Ukraine to a catastrophic earthquake in Japan, painting a turbulent opening to the year.
As the skies sparkled with New Year's fireworks globally, disquieting events marked the commencement. From Gaza, rockets launched towards Israel at midnight prompted defensive measures, compelling Israeli revelers to seek refuge. In response, Israel's retaliatory actions resulted in casualties and extensive devastation in Gaza, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Simultaneously, Ukraine grappled with escalating tensions, with authorities successfully thwarting numerous Russian drones, fueling fears amid escalating conflicts with Russian forces. President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed a forceful reply, while Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at escalated offensives, heightening concerns of a spiraling situation.
Meanwhile, Japan was rocked by a powerful earthquake on New Year's Day, registering a magnitude of 7.6, triggering tsunami alerts. The seismic activity caused widespread damage, igniting fires and compelling coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground, bracing for potential tsunami surges.
Amid the chaos, customary New Year celebrations unfolded worldwide. Festivities in Sydney kicked off with exuberance, while New York City witnessed the iconic ball drop in Times Square. However, incidents disrupted merrymaking elsewhere, including injuries from fireworks in Italy, clashes leading to arrests in Berlin, and injured police officers amidst revelry.
In the midst of these global events, Pope Francis extended prayers for
