Celebrities and millions other share ‘All Eyes On Rafah’ On Instagram, X: Why Is That Image Catching Attention?
Celebrities and millions other share 'All Eyes On Rafah' On Instagram, X: Why Is That Image Catching Attention?
The image featuring the words “All Eyes on Rafah” formed by tents in a camp has gone viral on social media platforms, particularly Instagram. This image and accompanying campaign aim to highlight the plight of Palestinians in Rafah, a southern city in the Gaza Strip.
Rafah has recently experienced severe Israeli air and ground offensives, leading to significant civilian casualties, including children. The strikes targeted the Tal as-Sultan area, a designated “safe zone,” resulting in extensive damage and fires. As a result, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who had sought refuge in Rafah are now facing dire conditions without adequate humanitarian aid.
The Campaign:
Visuals and Symbolism: The image of the tents arranged to spell out “All Eyes on Rafah” is designed to draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Rafah.
AI Generation: There is speculation that the viral image might be AI-generated. Marc Owen Jones, an expert in misinformation, pointed out that certain aspects of the image, such as unnatural shadows and symmetry, suggest AI involvement.
Slogan Origin: The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” reportedly stems from a comment by Rick Peeperkorn, the WHO’s director for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, in response to Israeli evacuation plans for Rafah amid ongoing conflicts with Hamas.
Support and Solidarity: Numerous humanitarian organizations, including Save the Children, Oxfam, and Jewish Voice for Peace, have adopted the slogan. The hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah has gained substantial traction on social media, with over 1,95,000 posts and millions of views.
Celebrity Endorsements:
Alia Bhatt posted on her Instagram
The campaign has received support from Indian celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Madhuri Dixit, and international figures such as Bella Hadid and Susan Sarandon.
Impact:
The widespread sharing of the “All Eyes on Rafah” image underscores a global call for attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The campaign seeks to amplify the voices advocating for peace and justice for Palestinians, urging the international community to take notice and act.
