The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” has become a rallying cry for awareness and solidarity with the people of Rafah, Gaza.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Rafah, answering the most asked questions and shedding light on why the world’s attention is focused on this region.
The Viral Image and Its Impact
A viral image with the slogan “All Eyes on Rafah” has been circulating on social media, particularly Instagram, where it has been shared millions of times. The image, which appears to be AI-generated, has drawn criticism for potentially sanitizing the consequences of the war on Gaza.
What Does “All Eyes on Rafah” Mean?
The phrase refers to the ongoing conflict in Rafah, Gaza, where over 1.4 million Palestinians are seeking shelter amid the war. It signifies the global outcry against the war on Gaza and the need for international attention on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Rafah Crossing: Gaza’s Lifeline
Rafah Crossing is known as the last hope for Gazans to escape the war. It is the only entry-point to the outside world for the people of Gaza that is not controlled by Israel.
The Importance of Rafah Crossing
Before the recent escalation, Israel had two crossings with Gaza: Erez (for people) and Kerem Shalom (for goods). Both have been shut since the war began, leaving Rafah Crossing as the sole gateway for Gazans.
Current State of Rafah Crossing
The crossing has been struck multiple times since the war began, and aid is unable to get into Gaza. The United States has been pressuring Egypt to establish a humanitarian corridor for civilians in Gaza.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Rafah
The situation in Rafah is dire, with recent Israeli bombardment killing at least 45 people in al-Mawasi, an area previously declared a safe zone. Another attack killed 21 in a displacement camp west of Rafah, with many of the victims being women.
The Global Response
The international community has condemned the attacks, and there have been calls for Israel to halt its offensive. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to cease its operations in Rafah, but the bombardment continued.
