'All Eyes on Rafah' Image Goes Viral Amidst Israeli Airstrike: Here's What It Means

Rafah: As the situation in the Middle East is getting intense after Israel attacked Gaza's Rafah, an image with the phrase "All Eyes on Rafah" – is going viral as millions are voicing their support for Palestinians in the war-hit city. As of now, the post has millions of views on TikTok with over 195,000 posts and has been trending since Tuesday, May 28, with some 100,000 posts posted.

The post comes as Israel during its recent attack in Rafah claimed the lives of around 45 people, who were seeking refuge in tents, as per officials. Meanwhile, the medics added that several others sustained injuries in the attack.

This recent attack by Israel despite the UN's condemnation triggered world outrage, prompting people to post this image on their social media about the deadly attack. 

The post was also shared by the Iranian Embassy in India on X, with the caption, “Raise your voice.  #AllEyesOnRafah.”

What Does All Eyes on Rafah?

The "All Eyes on Rafah" depicts tents in a camp arranged to spell out the "phrase," an area in southern Gaza where as many as 1.4 million people are seeking shelter after fleeing from violent fighting elsewhere in Gaza as Israel continues its offensive. The phrase is meant as a request for bystanders to not look away from what’s happening in the city of Rafah.

The phrase originally originated from a statement given by Rick Peeperkorn, director of WHO’s Office, who in February said, "All eyes are on Rafah," after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu ordered evacuation for the city ahead of planned attacks on Hamas' strongholds.

Several influential celebrities in India, including actors Varun Dhawan, Aly Goni, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Tripti Dimri, shared "All Eyes on Rafah" graphics on their Instagram stories.

The Israel-Hamas war began agfter the terror group launched an unprecedented attack on Oct 7 which claimed lives of 1,200 people, prompting Tel Aviv to retaliate back by capturing hold over Gaza and now Rafah.