In recent days, Israeli shelling and airstrikes have killed at least 45 people in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. This has led to people support Rafah by posting the phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” for their support. Most victims were sheltering in tents. The assault began late Sunday after Hamas launches rockets at Tel Aviv, which were mostly intercepted by Israeli defenses.
Despite a UN court order to halt operations in Rafah, Israeli forces have intensified their assault on the border town, once seen as a last refuge for many. The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” is trending on social media, with global support pouring in for Palestinians affected by the strikes. Celebrities and activists are using the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah to express solidarity.
Rafah, a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid, has seen intensified fighting since Israel stepped up its military offensive earlier this month and seized control of the crossing. The conflict has displaced over a million Palestinians, many of whom were already displaced by the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
Palestinians have been forced to move repeatedly within Gaza, seeking safety from Israeli attacks. After being advised to evacuate the north, many relocated to Rafah, only to face renewed assaults there. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that Israeli shelling around health facilities in Rafah has left only one operational hospital.
Humanitarian groups warn of a spiraling crisis in Gaza as the fighting in Rafah has cut off main aid routes. Despite global condemnation and a US warning, Israeli officials have vowed to continue the strikes.
Gaza security officers reported that Israeli tanks are now positioned in central and southwest Rafah. The United Nations has issued warnings about a looming famine, particularly in northern Gaza. UN Chief António Guterres voiced concerns about increasing malnutrition in the south following the Rafah incursion.
The conflict in Gaza erupted after Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, which killed over 1,170 people, mostly civilians. In retaliation, Israel’s offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 36,096 people in Gaza.
Global leaders are questioning how long President Joe Biden will tolerate the Israeli assault on Rafah, especially after the International Court of Justice, the UN’s top court, ordered a halt to the operation. Both the US and Israel are members of the court, adding to the complexity and urgency of the situation.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. International observers and aid organizations are calling for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid to the affected areas.