What Happened in Rafah?
Right now the phrase “All eyes on Rafah” is circulating widely on social media. This slogan is a symbol of support for the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, where a devastating Israeli airstrike happened. On May 26, an Israeli airstrike hit a camp for displaced people in Rafah, leading to the tragic deaths of 45 people and injuring over 200 more. This attack came in the wake of rocket attacks by Hamas in the Tel Aviv area.
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Rafah Air Strike: International Outcry Over Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Why Is This Image Going Viral?
The image linked with the phrase “All eyes on Rafah” depicts tents arranged to spell out the words. People are sharing it extensively on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to raise awareness and express their solidarity with the victims of the airstrike. The visual impact of the tents forming the phrase has struck a chord with many, leading to its rapid spread.
The Immediate Aftermath
The airstrike has drawn significant global attention and condemnation. In response to the attack, the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) posted on X (formerly Twitter), describing Gaza as “hell on earth” and calling for an immediate ceasefire. The health ministry in Gaza reported that the majority of the casualties were children and women, emphasising the horrible humanitarian impact.
International Reactions and Statements
The Israeli military defended its actions, stating that the airstrike was based on precise intelligence targeting senior Hamas officials. They argued that these were legitimate targets under international law. Despite this, the attack sparked international outrage, with many countries and organisations calling for a ceasefire. In addition, the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) even issued a ruling two days prior to the attack, ordering Israel to halt its offence in Rafah.
Celebrities and Social Media Support
The phrase “All eyes on Rafah” is shared by many celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, and many others. This widespread sharing has magnified the message and brought more attention to the situation in Rafah. Over 36 million Instagram users have posted about Rafah, reflecting a significant wave of global concern and solidarity.
The Broader Conflict
The recent airstrike is part of a larger conflict that has been ongoing since October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a major attack on southern Israel. This initial attack resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Israeli civilians and led to a series of retaliatory strikes by Israel on Gaza. The conflict has caused immense casualties and displacement, with Rafah now sheltering around 1.4 million people due to the ongoing violence in Gaza City and Khan Yunis.
Where is Rafah?
Rafah is a city in southern Gaza, about 30 kilometres southwest of Gaza City. It is the capital of the Rafah Governorate. In 2017, Rafah had a population of 171,889. Due to heavy bombardment in Gaza City and Khan Yunis during the Israel-Hamas war, around 1.4 million people are now seeking refuge in Rafah as of February 2024. The city has become a crucial shelter for those escaping the conflict.
In summary,
“All eyes on Rafah” is a powerful call for attention and action in response to the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in Rafah. This phrase and the viral image associated with it highlight the urgent need for global awareness and intervention to address the suffering of the people in Gaza.