The “All Eyes on Rafah” campaign has garnered significant attention on social media. Nearly 45 million Instagram users, including celebrities like Bella Hadid and Nicola Coughlan, have shared an AI-generated image depicting tent camps for displaced Palestinians, with the slogan “all eyes on Rafah.”
This viral post highlights the situation in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip near the Egyptian border, which faced intense bombing by Israeli troops on May 6, 2024. These bombings have caused shelters to catch fire with people inside, resulting in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians.
Activists are using AI-generated images to circumvent social media algorithms that often hide graphic content, aiming to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Rafah. The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” draws global attention to the humanitarian crisis and emphasizes the need for increased awareness and action.
Where is the location of Rafah?
Rafah is a city situated in the southern Gaza Strip, near the border with Egypt. This city has become a focal point of conflict and humanitarian crisis, drawing significant international concern. The residents of Rafah are currently facing intense bombing, leading to shelters catching fire with people still inside.
What is the meaning of ‘All Eyes on Rafah’?
“All Eyes on Rafah” is a hashtag that has gained prominence on social media platforms, drawing attention to the ongoing conflict in the southern Gaza Strip. It serves as a rallying cry, urging global awareness and action. The phrase implies that the world’s attention should be focused on Rafah.
By using this hashtag, activists and concerned individuals aim to shed light on the urgent situation in Rafah and advocate for support and intervention. The AI-generated images shared widely on Instagram help bypass the platform’s algorithmic restrictions on graphic content, ensuring that the plight of Rafah’s residents remains visible. The call “All Eyes on Rafah” symbolizes a collective demand for attention and action to alleviate the suffering and address the severe challenges faced by the people in this region.
Who are the celebrities supporting ‘All Eyes on Rafah’?
A wave of celebrities has joined the “All Eyes on Rafah” campaign, using their social media influence to highlight the crisis in Gaza. Supporters include Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Rashmika Mandanna, Sonam Kapoor, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dulquer Salmaan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Swara Bhasker, Richa Chadha, Jawan director Atlee, Dia Mirza, Tripti Dimri, Rakul Preet Singh, Bhumi Pednekar, Ileana D’Cruz, Nora Fatehi, Munawar Faruqui, and others.
What is the international response to the Rafah attack?
The international community has reacted strongly to the recent attack on Rafah, with various countries and organizations voicing their concerns and calls for action.
On May 24, 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a significant ruling, ordering Israel to immediately cease its military operations in Rafah. The ICJ highlighted the “immediate risk” to Palestinians, noting that over 800,000 people had been forced to flee the area, previously deemed a safe zone. Despite the gravity of this order, Israel is unlikely to comply, as the ICJ lacks enforcement power. However, this landmark ruling places immense pressure on Israel and brings global attention to the crisis.
China has expressed “deep concern” over the situation, urging Israel to “effectively” implement the ICJ’s order and halt the military operations in Rafah.
On the other side, Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has welcomed the ICJ’s decision.
Israel’s clarification about the Rafah attack
Amidst the aftermath of the Rafah attack, Israel has issued statements regarding the tragic event:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation’s parliament, acknowledging a “tragic mistake” during the attack. Despite efforts to avoid harming civilians, Netanyahu expressed remorse, stating, “Last night, there was a tragic mistake.” He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to understand the incident fully.
Major-General Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi, Israel’s Top Military Prosecutor, described the attack as “very grave.” Yerushalmi emphasized the commitment to conducting a comprehensive investigation and expressed regret for any harm caused to non-combatants during the conflict.
On the other side, a senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, condemned the attack as a “massacre.” He placed blame on the United States, accusing them of aiding Israel with weapons and financial support.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Presidency accused Israel of deliberately targeting civilians and condemned the attack as a “heinous massacre.” They challenged the legitimacy of such actions under international law.
Some FAQs
1. When did the Rafah attack occur?
Answer: The Rafah attack occurred on May 6, 2024.
2. In which region is Rafah located?
Answer: Rafah is situated in the southern region of the Gaza Strip, near the border with Egypt.
3. Who attacked Rafah?
Answer: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
4. How many people were killed in the Rafah attack?
Answer: At least 45 Palestinians were killed in the Rafah attack.
5. What is the significance of the “All Eyes on Rafah” campaign?
Answer: The campaign aims to raise global awareness about the crisis in Gaza, specifically in Rafah, emphasizing the urgent need for action and support.
Sources: Livemint, Bollywood celebs supporting – Filmfare.com, What happened – Al Jazeera
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