All Eyes On Rafah – Indian Stars Speak Out for Gaza Victims

In a powerful display of solidarity, Indian celebrities have joined the global chorus demanding justice for the victims of the recent Israeli attack on Rafah, a densely populated city in the war-torn Gaza Strip. The devastating assault, which occurred on Sunday night, May 26, resulted in the burning of tents designated as a “safe zone” for displaced Palestinians fleeing the ongoing conflict. Tragically, at least 45 people lost their lives, including women, children, and the elderly.

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Understanding “All Eyes on Rafah”

The Origin

The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” appears to have originated from a comment made by Rick Peeperkorn, the director of the World Health Organization’s Office of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In February, he stated, “All eyes are on Rafah.” This came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an evacuation plan for the city. The plan aimed to eliminate what Netanyahu claimed were the last remaining strongholds of the militant group Hamas.

What Is Rafah?

Rafah is a Palestinian city located in the southern Gaza Strip, bordering Egypt. It has been significantly affected by the ongoing conflict, with many Palestinians seeking shelter in refugee camps within the city. Tragically, at least 45 civilians lost their lives after an Israeli strike on Sunday, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The Viral Image

The powerful image associated with the hashtag “All Eyes on Rafah” features tents in a refugee camp in Rafah. These tents symbolize the displacement and suffering faced by Palestinians due to the attacks. The image serves as a call for global awareness about the ongoing war and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

Amplifying Voices Through Social Media

Using their social media presence, Indian actors, directors, and other film personalities have united to express shock and solidarity. They are sharing “All Eyes On Rafah” posts on Instagram, emphasizing the need for global attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Palestine. Among the prominent celebrities who have spoken out are:

Swara Bhasker: The acclaimed actor expressed her outrage and called for justice.
Gauahar Khan: She reshared posts about the Rafah attack, highlighting the plight of mothers in Gaza who hold their children and hope they sleep.
Varun Dhawan: The Bollywood heartthrob used his platform to demand accountability.
Fatima Sana Shaikh: The talented actress expressed her sorrow and support.
Honey Singh: The popular singer joined the cause, urging awareness.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu: The South Indian superstar shared her shock at the disturbing videos and photos emerging from Rafah.
Nora Fatehi: The dancer and actor stood in solidarity with Palestine.
Dia Mirza: The environmentalist and actor emphasized the urgency of the situation.
Sonam Kapoor: The fashion icon and actor added her voice to the call for justice.

A Crime Against Humanity

The heartbreaking footage that surfaced on social media depicted several mutilated bodies, mostly children, burnt by an explosion inside their tents. Actor Nakuul Mehta boldly stated, “If your country is beheading children, your country doesn’t deserve to exist.” Meanwhile, Radhika Apte condemned the attack as a violation of international laws and the ICJ ruling.

Global Outcry

Celebrities from across the globe have also come together to express their sorrow and demand justice for Gaza victims. They are posting the identical “All Eyes On Rafah” slogan to their Instagram stories, echoing the statement issued by UNICEF. This collective outcry underscores the urgency of addressing the crisis and standing in solidarity with Palestine.

Ritika Sajdeh’s Instagram Controversy

Ritika Sajdeh, the wife of Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma, recently found herself at the center of a social media controversy due to an Instagram story she posted. In solidarity and support towards Palestine, Sajdeh shared the widely circulated template “All Eyes on Rafah” on her Instagram account. Many Indian celebrities and citizens were using this phrase to express their backing for Palestine. However, her post faced criticism from netizens who pointed out that she and other celebrities often highlight international issues but rarely address problems faced by Indians abroad, such as Hindu persecution in Pakistan and Bangladesh. In response to the backlash, Ritika Sajdeh deleted the controversial Instagram story a few hours after posting it.

Conclusion

As the world watches, the voices of Indian celebrities join the global call for justice. Their use of social media amplifies the situation’s urgency, reminding us that the suffering in Rafah cannot go unnoticed. It is a moment when humanity must unite to demand accountability and advocate for peace in the region. Let us keep our eyes on Rafah and continue to raise our voices until justice prevails.