What's All Eyes on Rafah? Why millions are sharing this viral pic?

Recent Israeli strikes in Gaza's Rafah have resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians, including numerous children. The strikes reportedly targeted the Tal as-Sultan area, designated as a "safe zone," with at least eight missiles. The area is home to hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians. The attack sparked fires that spread through the area, exacerbated by a fuel tank explosion triggered by the airstrike, NBC reported.

What's "All Eyes On Rafah"?

In the aftermath of the strikes, visuals of charred bodies and severe injuries have circulated widely on social media. An image bearing the text "All Eyes on Rafah" has become a focal point for activists and humanitarian groups, highlighting the plight of people living in cramped refugee camps without adequate humanitarian aid. The image features tents arranged to form the slogan, urging global attention to Rafah, where approximately 1.5 million people have sought refuge from ongoing bombings.

The slogan "All Eyes on Rafah" reportedly originated from a statement by Rick Peeperkorn, director of the World Health Organization's Office of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He made the remark in February after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an evacuation plan for Rafah in anticipation of attacks on what he claimed were the last strongholds of Hamas.

Questions About the Image's Authenticity

The "All Eyes on Rafah" image has raised questions about its authenticity. Marc Owen Jones, a misinformation researcher, suggests that the image appears to be AI-generated, citing unrealistic shadows and unnatural symmetry in the tent arrangement, as reported by NBC.

All Eyes on Rafah Gets Global Spread and Support

Support for the "All Eyes on Rafah" campaign has surged globally, with organizations like Save the Children, Oxfam, Americans for Justice in Palestine Action, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign adopting the slogan. The hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah has garnered over 195,000 posts and millions of views on social media, trending on Instagram with nearly 100,000 additional posts.

Celebrity Shares All Eyes on Rafah Photo

The campaign has received endorsements from various celebrities. In India, celebrities like Varun Dhawan, Madhuri Dixit, Aly Goni, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Tripti Dimri have shared the image on Instagram. Internationally, personalities such as Australian cricketer Travis Head, British singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, model Bella Hadid, and actresses Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Susan Sarandon have also expressed their support.