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As Israeli troops continue their ground offensive in the heavily populated city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, the campaign with the slogan "All Eyes on Rafah" has gained significant momentum. This slogan has resonated particularly in Western Europe, Australia, and India, calling for global awareness of the ongoing conflict driven by activists and humanitarian groups.

Origins of the Slogan

The slogan "All Eyes on Rafah" originated from a statement by Rick Peeperkorn, director of the World Health Organization’s Office of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In February, he remarked, "All eyes are on Rafah," shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the creation of an evacuation plan for the city to target what he described as the last remaining strongholds of the militant group Hamas.

Purpose and Spread

The slogan serves as a plea for international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Rafah, where up to 1.4 million people are sheltering after fleeing violence from other parts of Gaza. Humanitarian organizations and advocacy groups like Save the Children, Oxfam, Americans for Justice in Palestine Action, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign have adopted the slogan. It has been central to protests worldwide, including in Paris, London, the Netherlands, New York City, and Los Angeles.

Social Media Impact

The hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah has generated significant attention, with over 195,000 posts and millions of views on TikTok. It was also trending on Instagram with nearly 100,000 posts. Prominent Palestinian American pop singer Zach Matari's videos have garnered millions of views, alongside popular posts from creators like Lubna Alhilo, Liz Kuhn, and Reema Bassoumi.

Key Events

1. Initial Attacks: Israel launched the attack on Rafah late Sunday following a barrage of rockets from Hamas. An airstrike on a tent camp housing displaced people resulted in at least 45 deaths and 200 injuries​ (Common Dreams)​.
2. Global Outrage: The attack triggered worldwide condemnation. Leaders from various countries, including the U.S., UK, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar, expressed their distress and called for immediate cessation of hostilities​ (The Bubble)​​ (Middle East Monitor)​.
3. Humanitarian Crisis: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported that around one million people have fled the offensive. Many displaced Palestinians face dire conditions with no safe refuge​ (Palestine Chronicle)​.
4. Continued Offensive: Despite global condemnation and a ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to halt its operations, Israel has vowed to press on with its offensive, targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure​ (The Bubble)​.
5. Diplomatic Reactions: Spain, Norway, and Ireland have officially recognized a Palestinian state, urging a peaceful resolution and highlighting the need for a two-state solution​ (Middle East Monitor)​.

Celebrity Endorsements

Numerous celebrities have supported the campaign. In India, actors like Varun Dhawan, Aly Goni, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Tripti Dimri shared the slogan on their Instagram stories. Australian cricket player Travis Head, British singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, model Bella Hadid, and actresses Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Susan Sarandon have also voiced their support.

The "All Eyes on Rafah" movement underscores the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilians and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. As the world watches, the hope is that sustained international pressure will lead to meaningful action to alleviate the suffering of the people in Rafah.

For more detailed coverage, you can refer to sources such as Common Dreams, The Bubble, Middle East Monitor, and the Palestine Chronicle​ (Common Dreams)​​ (The Bubble)​​ (Middle East Monitor)​​ (Palestine Chronicle)​.