The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” has become a powerful rallying cry on social media platforms, particularly Instagram, where millions of users, including celebrities, have shared posts to draw attention to the plight of Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. Let me explain further.
On May 26, 2024, a devastating Israeli airstrike targeted a camp for displaced people in Rafah, resulting in significant civilian casualties. The attack claimed the lives of 45 individuals and injured over 200. The image that has gone viral shows tents arranged to form the words “All Eyes on Rafah,” symbolizing the global call to not ignore the suffering in Gaza’s southernmost city.
The situation in Rafah has prompted a global outcry. The United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) expressed the dire situation via a social media post, 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, no one has been spared. We need a #CeasefireNow” .
In essence, “All Eyes on Rafah” is a heartfelt plea for global attention, urging individuals not to avert their gaze from the unfolding conflict. It symbolizes solidarity with the Palestinians enduring the consequences of the attacks and serves as a call for humanitarian intervention in conflict zones. The phrase has resonated across social media, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the crisis in Rafah and advocating for awareness and action.
