All Eyes on Rafah: What’s the meaning of ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ and why is it trending on Instagram |

The phrase ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ has become a 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. This viral movement began following a devastating airstrike on May 26, 2024, which resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Rafah, a city bordering Egypt, has been a focal point of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.The recent airstrike, which targeted a camp for displaced people, was reported by Reuters to have caused the death of 45 individuals and injured over 2001. 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 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”. The health ministry reported that the strikes “claimed the lives of 35 martyrs and left dozens injured, most of them children and women.” Later, it was found that 45 civilians were killed in the attack. Gory and horrifyingly graphic imagery appeared live on social media from the night of the airstrikes depicting civilians burnt to death and decapitated infants amongst the ruins of the refugee camp. This led to urgent and increasingly desperate calls for a ceasefire by millions on social media and thus, to bring to attention the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the image was mass shared.
The Israeli military responded to the incident, claiming the attack was based on “precise intelligence” against “legitimate targets under international law” and resulted in the death of two “senior” Hamas officials. However, this has not quelled the global outrage, with many condemning the attack and several demanding a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
The ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ campaign gained further momentum after a ruling by the UN International Court of Justice (ICJ), where the court ordered Israel to halt its attack on the city. 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,” with the order receiving the support of 13 of 15 judges.
Prominent figures like Priyanka Chopra, Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Tripti Dimri, and Richa Chadha have posted the phrase, showing their solidarity with the people of Rafah. The hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah has accumulated over 104,000 posts on Instagram, reflecting the widespread support for the cause
The phrase ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ is more than just a trend; it is a plea for awareness and action. It originated from a comment by Rick Peeperkorn, director of the World Health Organization’s Office of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, who said in February, “All eyes are on Rafah,” shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an evacuation plan for the city in preparation for attacks aimed at eliminating Hamas strongholds.
This collective online movement is a powerful example of how social media can be used to amplify voices and mobilize support for humanitarian causes. It shines a light on the atrocities and human rights violations being committed against particularly vulnerable groups like women and children, as the phrase suggests to focus collective attention on Rafah and not look away. It is incredibly important to remind the world of the ongoing struggles faced by those in conflict zones and the importance of international attention and intervention in times of crisis. The ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ post is not just a viral phenomenon; it is a call to action, to stand up for those who are unable to do it for themselves.
The dire situation in Gaza
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with recent reports indicating a significant decline in humanitarian aid and a troubling increase in violence. According to recent updates, the death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7 has reached 36,242, with at least 81,777 people injured. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported a two-thirds decrease in food and humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip with Palestenians resorting to eating bread made from ground animal feed and drinking unclean, saline water. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that more than 13,000 children have been killed in the Gaza Strip as a result of Israeli military activity. Additionally, there have been condemnations of Israeli attacks on hospitals, which further exacerbate the suffering of the Palestinian people. The devastation in Gaza continues as Israel wages war on Hamas, with strikes causing widespread destruction.
International reactions
In the wake of the Rafah massacre, international reactions were swift and severe. The incident, which resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, was met with widespread condemnation. In a notable act of retaliation, protestors in Mexico City set fire to the Israeli embassy, expressing their outrage over the events1. This act of arson was a stark indicator of the global indignation and a symbolic gesture against the perceived injustices. The United Nations and various countries have denounced the attack on the tent camp in Rafah, calling for accountability and sanctions against Israel.