Why is the ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ Template Trending on Instagram Stories?

In a powerful social media movement, the “All Eyes on Rafah” template has gone viral, amassing over 22.2 million reshared posts on Instagram within 24 hours. This digital campaign aims to highlight and protest Israel’s ongoing military actions in Rafah, Gaza.

The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” underscores the global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 1.4 million Palestinians are seeking refuge amidst escalating violence. Despite international condemnation, the conflict continues to claim lives and displace thousands.

Recent airstrikes by Israeli forces have resulted in the deaths of at least 41 Palestinians, including women and children, and injured dozens more. These attacks targeted tents sheltering displaced individuals from across the besieged region over the past seven months.

On May 28, Israeli tanks advanced into central Rafah for the first time, reaching areas near the Al-Awda mosque, a significant local landmark. This marked a new phase in the conflict, intensifying fears and instability.

International Reactions on Palestine

Despite a ruling from the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to halt its military actions, the attacks persist. Israel has defended its actions, citing allowances for military engagement within the court’s ruling.

United Nations Involvement on Palestine Issue

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called an emergency meeting in response to the recent Israeli strike on a displaced persons camp in Rafah. Algeria, a non-permanent member of the UNSC, requested this urgent closed-door session.

Celebrity and Influencer Support for Palestine

The “All Eyes on Rafah” campaign has seen widespread support from celebrities and influencers worldwide. Indian actors like Varun Dhawan, Aly Goni, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Tripti Dimri shared the template on Instagram. Other notable supporters include Australian cricket player Travis Head, British singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, model Bella Hadid, and actresses Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Susan Sarandon.

Viral Impact on Social Media

The hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah has garnered over 195,000 posts and millions of views on TikTok, with the topic trending on Instagram as well. Palestinian American pop singer Zach Matari’s posts have been among the most popular, drawing millions of views. Influential pro-Palestinian creators like Lubna Alhilo, Liz Kuhn, and Reema Bassoumi have also contributed significantly to the campaign’s visibility.

The “All Eyes on Rafah” campaign has sparked a global social media movement, drawing attention to the dire situation in Gaza. As the conflict continues, the world watches closely, demanding action and support for the displaced and affected populations.