‘All Eyes on Rafah’ Campaign Gains Momentum Amid Global Outrage Over Israeli Offensive in Gaza
The “All Eyes on Rafah” campaign is rapidly gaining traction as global condemnation mounts against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. High-profile Indian celebrities, such as Priyanka Chopra, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Alia Bhatt, Richa Chadha, Kareena Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan, have shown their support by sharing the campaign’s slogan on Instagram stories.
Rising Casualties and International Condemnation
On Tuesday, intensified Israeli shelling and airstrikes led to at least 37 deaths near the southern Gaza city of Rafah, igniting widespread international outcry. The ongoing conflict in the war-torn enclave has precipitated a humanitarian crisis nearly seven months after Israel’s offensive, which was a response to the October 7 Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis.
What is the #AllEyesOnRafah Campaign?
The “All Eyes on Rafah” campaign, active on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, calls for global awareness of the war in Rafah. It urges the international community to stand in solidarity with Palestinians affected by the strikes. The campaign has garnered significant attention, with up to 108,000 posts on Instagram featuring the hashtag #alleyesonrafah.
Recent Developments in Rafah
On Tuesday, Israeli attacks targeted a tent cluster in Al-Mawasi, west of Rafah, resulting in at least 21 deaths, including 12 women, as per Gaza health authorities. However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) denied targeting the humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi. This incident followed a deadly Israeli attack on Sunday that ignited a fire in a tent camp, killing at least 45 people.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The ongoing violence has forced over one million Palestinians to flee, many seeking refuge in squalid conditions in tent camps. The United Nations reports a dire lack of essentials like shelter, food, and water. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 36,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began, a figure that includes both combatants and civilians.
Global Response and Diplomatic Efforts
Algeria has proposed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a halt to Israel’s offensive in Rafah. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the situation as a “humanitarian catastrophe” and urged Israel to allow humanitarian aid through all crossing points. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has also called for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.
The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to cease its offensive in Rafah and to open the border crossing from Egypt for aid deliveries, emphasizing the binding nature of these directives. Additionally, Spain, Ireland, and Norway have officially recognized a Palestinian state, bringing the total number of UN member states recognizing Palestine to 146.
Challenges in Aid Delivery
Despite claims by the Israeli military of allowing hundreds of aid trucks through the Kerem Shalom crossing, aid groups report significant difficulties in accessing and distributing this aid due to the ongoing conflict. The UN has only managed to secure aid from about 170 trucks in the past three weeks. Efforts are further complicated by the removal of a US-built floating pier for repairs, which has hindered additional aid deliveries.
Conclusion
The “All Eyes on Rafah” campaign continues to raise global awareness and solidarity for Palestinians affected by the escalating conflict. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, international efforts and diplomatic pressure are crucial in addressing the urgent needs of the displaced population in Gaza
