The phrase “All eyes on Rafah” flooded social media on 28th May, Tuesday, as global attention turned to the plight of Palestinians in Rafah, a city in war-torn Gaza. Iran’s Embassy in India emphasized the dire situation, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “‘All eyes on Rafah’ refers to the ongoing genocide in Rafah, Gaza, with over 1.4 million Palestinians seeking shelter.” This phrase encapsulates the international concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
The Current Situation
Israel continues its airstrikes in Rafah despite international condemnation and an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) demanding an end to military operations. In a significant yet symbolic move, Spain and Norway officially recognized a Palestinian state on May 28, a step Ireland is also expected to take. These actions reflect growing global support for Palestinian statehood amidst the ongoing conflict.
Rafah, located in southern Gaza near Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, has become a focal point of the conflict. With over a million people residing in the city, many have fled multiple times due to the Israeli offensive that began earlier this month. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that there is no safe place in Gaza, exacerbating the crisis for those seeking refuge.
Rafah Key Events
1. Israeli Airstrikes: The Israeli attack on Rafah began late Sunday after Hamas launched rockets at Tel Aviv, most of which were intercepted. The airstrikes hit a tent camp for displaced people, killing at least 45 and injuring 200, according to CNN and Gaza’s government media office. Israel’s military stated that the attack targeted and killed two senior Hamas operatives, but it also sparked widespread condemnation as a “massacre.”
2. Global Reactions: The attack triggered global outrage. A US National Security Council spokesperson urged Israel to protect civilians, while former UK Prime Minister David Cameron called for a ceasefire. Egypt condemned the targeting of civilians, Jordan accused Israel of war crimes, and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed to hold Israel accountable. Qatar and Saudi Arabia also condemned the attacks as violations of international law.
3. Humanitarian Crisis: Approximately one million people have fled Rafah since early May, according to UNRWA. The agency highlighted the dire conditions, including lack of food, water, and safe shelter. Despite these challenges, Israel has continued its operations, focusing on dismantling Hamas infrastructure and targeting fighters. Israel advised civilians to move to a designated “expanded humanitarian zone” 20 km away.
4. ICJ Ruling: The ICJ ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah and withdraw from the enclave, adding to the diplomatic pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ICJ’s President, Judge Nawaf Salam, emphasized the need to prevent conditions that could lead to the physical destruction of the Palestinian group in Gaza. However, Israel has defied this ruling, maintaining its military campaign.
5. Social Media Campaign: The phrase “All eyes on Rafah” trended massively on social media, with many expressing solidarity with Palestinians. Celebrities like Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dia Mirza, Swara Bhaskar, and Gauahar Khan shared posts condemning the Israeli attacks and calling for international intervention.
6. Recognition of Palestinian State: Spain and Norway’s recognition of a Palestinian state aims to promote peace and resolve the conflict. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that a viable Palestinian state should include the West Bank and Gaza, connected by a corridor and with East Jerusalem as its capital. Ireland is also set to recognize Palestine officially.
7. Israeli Response: Israel condemned the recognition of Palestine by these European countries, arguing that it supports Hamas. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, criticized Spain for allegedly yielding to Hamas.
8. Background of the Conflict: The war began after a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in over 1,170 deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of 252 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has caused significant casualties in Gaza, with at least 36,050 deaths and 81,136 injuries, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
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9. International Debate: The conflict has reignited debates over Palestinian statehood. Israel argues that an independent Palestinian state would compromise its security, while many countries advocate for a two-state solution as the path to lasting peace.
The situation in Rafah remains dire, with ongoing violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate the southern Gaza city, causing widespread displacement and suffering among civilians. Global efforts to mediate a ceasefire and provide humanitarian aid persist but face significant challenges. Despite an ICJ ruling demanding Israel halt its operations, the bombardment continues, intensifying international outrage. The urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is clear. As the world watches, the emphasis must be on securing immediate humanitarian relief and pursuing long-term peace through diplomatic and political solutions.
