“All eyes on Rafah” dominated social media on Tuesday as global support for Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza, surged. Iran’s Embassy in India stated on X, “‘All eyes on Rafah’ refers to the ongoing genocide in Rafah, Gaza, with over 1.4 million Palestinians seeking shelter.”
International Response and Humanitarian Crisis in Rafah
Israel continues its airstrikes in the region despite international condemnation and an International Court of Justice (ICJ) order demanding an end to the military operation. In a symbolic move, Spain and Norway recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday, May 28, with Ireland expected to follow.
Over half of Gaza’s population, more than a million people, resides in Rafah, the southernmost exit point from Gaza bordering Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. Many have fled since Israel’s limited incursion earlier this month. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) stated there is no safe place in Gaza.
All Eyes on Rafah: Here’s What’s Happening—10 Key Points
- Israel launched an attack on Rafah late Sunday after Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv, most of which were intercepted. At least 45 people were killed and 200 others were injured when an Israeli airstrike hit a tent camp for displaced people in Rafah, CNN reported. The UNRWA said they lost full communication with their team in Gaza, declaring, “Gaza has become hell on earth. Families seek refuge, but there is no safe place in the Gaza Strip.” Israel’s military claimed the attack targeted and killed two senior Hamas operatives but sparked a fire condemned as a “massacre” by Palestinians and many Arab countries. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the strike a “tragic mistake.”
- The attack provoked global outrage. A US National Security Council spokesperson urged Israel to prioritize civilian protection. Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron called for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid and negotiations. Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar condemned Israel’s actions as war crimes and violations of international law.
- The UNRWA reported that around one million people have fled the Israeli offensive in Rafah since early May. Despite seeking safety, many Palestinians remain vulnerable to attacks and have been moving across the Gaza Strip for months. The UNRWA highlighted the dire conditions amidst bombardments, a lack of food and water, and unsuitable living conditions.
- Israel vowed to continue its Rafah offensive despite global condemnation and a US warning. The operation, ongoing since early May, aims to eliminate Hamas fighters and infrastructure. Civilians were advised to move to an “expanded humanitarian zone” 20 km (12 miles) away, Reuters reported.
- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel on Friday to halt its operations in Rafah and withdraw. The ICJ’s ruling, supported by 13 of 15 judges, adds to the diplomatic pressure on Netanyahu. ICJ President Judge Nawaf Salam emphasized the need to stop actions that could lead to the physical destruction of the Palestinian group in Gaza.
- “All eyes on Rafah” trended massively on social media, with widespread support for Palestinians. Celebrities like Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dia Mirza, Swara Bhaskar, and Gauahar Khan shared posts condemning Israel’s actions in Rafah.
- Spain and Norway officially recognized a Palestinian state on Tuesday, May 28, aiming for peace between Palestinians and Israelis and resolving the conflict in Gaza. Ireland also announced it would recognize a Palestinian state. Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez advocates for a Palestinian state comprising West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem as its capital.
- Israel condemned the recognition by Spain, Norway, and Ireland, arguing it supported Hamas. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, accused Spain of yielding to Hamas in a series of tweets.
- The conflict began after a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing over 1,170 people, mostly civilians, and taking 252 hostages, of whom 121 remain in Gaza. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 36,050 people and injured 81,136 in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.
- The Israel-Hamas conflict that erupted in October last year revived debates on Palestinian statehood in international politics. Israel claims that Hamas’s attack demonstrated the security risks of an independent state on its border, while many countries argue that a two-state solution is essential for peace.
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