Why is “All Eyes on Rafah” trending on Instagram?
Recently, the phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” and hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah have been widely circulating on Instagram, often accompanied by a striking image of tents arranged to form the words. This surge of attention is in response to a tragic event in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, where an Israeli airstrike resulted in the deaths of 45 civilians and left over 200 injured.
Why has the ‘All Eyes on Rafah' image been shared 44 million times?
‘All Eyes on Rafah' Image Shared 44 Million Times on Instagram; Israel Counters Viral Trend The AI-generated image featuring the phrase ‘All Eyes on Rafah' has gone viral, being shared 44 million times on Instagram as Israel ramps up its offensive in Gaza.
Following a series of Israeli airstrikes that claimed dozens of lives in Gaza, the image ‘All Eyes on Rafah' has gained significant traction on social media. This viral image has now been shared over 44 million times on Instagram, amidst growing global outrage over civilian casualties in Rafah.
The image, displaying the words ‘All Eyes on Rafah,' shows rows of densely packed tents stretching across a desert landscape, with mountains in the background. This image symbolizes the plight of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have been displaced due to Israel's military actions against Hamas.
What does the “All Eyes On Rafah” image depict?
Amidst harrowing visuals of casualties circulating on social media, an image bearing the text “All Eyes on Rafah” has gained traction. This campaign, led by activists and humanitarian groups, seeks to spotlight the dire conditions in the southern city of the Gaza Strip. The image portrays tents arranged in a camp to spell out the phrase, urging viewers not to overlook the plight of approximately 1.5 million people seeking refuge after enduring Israeli airstrikes.
When Did the Attack Happen?
The attack occurred on May 26. Following the incident, the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) posted on X, stating, “Gaza has become hell on earth. Families continue to seek refuge, trying to escape war, but there is no such thing as a safe place in the Gaza Strip. No one is safe—not civilians, not aid workers, and no one has been spared. We need a #CeasefireNow.”
All eyes on Rafah: Image shared 44 million times on Instagram; Israel counters viral trend https://t.co/VNtRVLixbt
— Hindustan Times (@HindustanTimes) March 23, 2024
Casualties and Impact
The health ministry in Gaza, managed by Hamas, reported that the airstrikes claimed 45 lives, primarily women and children, though later reports confirmed 45 casualties. Reuters highlighted that the attack targeted a camp for displaced people in Rafah. The Israeli military defended the strike, citing “precise intelligence” and targeting “legitimate targets under international law,” which they claimed included two senior Hamas officials.
Global Outrage
The attack has sparked global outrage, with widespread calls for a ceasefire. Last year, Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, crossing the Gaza border, which escalated the ongoing conflict. The recent attack on Rafah came just two days after the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to cease its offensive in the region.
ICJ President Judge Nawaf Salam stated, “Israel must immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in the Rafah Governorate which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.” This ruling was supported by 13 of the 15 judges.
Celebrities Sharing “All Eyes on Rafah”
Many celebrities and public figures have shared the phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” on social media, including Priyanka Chopra, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Tripti Dimri, and Richa Chadha. Ritika Sajdeh, wife of cricketer Rohit Sharma, also shared the phrase but later deleted it after receiving backlash. Over 46 million Instagram users have shared the Rafah story.
How Did This Conflict Start?
The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and the taking of hostages. In retaliation, Israel has carried out multiple airstrikes, leading to thousands of casualties and injuries in the region.
Click for more updates and the latest world news, along with Web stories updates. Also, get the latest news and top headlines from India and around the world at Speed News
