If you have been on social media recently, whether you’re watching a viral trend, keeping up with celebrity drama, or scrolling through comments, you may have seen one phrase throughout these comments, hashtags, or captions: “All Eyes on Rafah.” It began as a small a plea for attention throughout social media, but it has expanded across timelines and newsfeeds, demanding the world’s gaze turn towards a city engulfed in turmoil.
“I was watching the MET Gala live stream and every comment was “ALL EYES ON RAFAH” with the watermelon emoji next to it and I was so confused so I searched it up and it brought all these horrifying things to my attention,” said junior Mia Suarez.
Rafah, nestled along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, has become the focal point of an escalating conflict between the Israeli military and Hamas, the Palestinian group that rules Gaza and has been designated a terrorist organization. The Israeli military took control of the Rafah border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt last week. Its tanks then advanced into the southern Gazan town of Rafah in its ongoing war with Hamas.
The conflict entered its eighth month in May, with peace brokers failing to deliver a ceasefire. Israeli tanks and jets have attacked multiple locations and homes in Rafah, sparking global alarm about the condition of people trapped in the area.
As the situation worsened, reports of airstrikes and artillery shelling flooded the airwaves, painting a grim picture of life in Rafah. Civilians trapped in the crossfire shared tales of survival, their voices capturing the media’s attention, plead for help, for intervention, for someone, anyone, to bear witness to their suffering.
And so, “All Eyes on Rafah” became more than just a hashtag; it became a cry for empathy, for solidarity, for action. Celebrities lent their voices to the cause, leveraging their platforms to amplify the cries of the oppressed. Activists organized virtual protests, flooding social media timelines with images of devastation and calls for a ceasefire. Ordinary people, halfway across the globe, felt compelled to lend their support, sharing stories, signing petitions, protesting donating to relief efforts.
“Not only have I seen all the “eyes on Rafah” comments but I’ve also seen solidarity during celebrity events like the Oscars and premieres where everyone wears a pin that signifies a ceasefire in Gaza. It’s really great to see such influential people bringing to light these important things, finally,” said senior Fernanda Ponce.
But amidst the chaos and despair, aid organizations mobilized to provide much-needed assistance to the city, delivering food, medical supplies, and shelter to those most in need. Volunteers braved danger to document the atrocities unfolding in Rafah. No longer were the people of Rafah fighting alone; they have become a symbol of resilience.
And though the road ahead is still uncertain, one thing is clear: the eyes of the world are on Rafah, bearing witness to its struggles, its pain, and its unwavering spirit. And in that collective gaze lay the promise of a brighter tomorrow, where peace and justice reign supreme.
“It’s horrifying to imagine these kinds of things are happening anywhere in the world. But, I know it’s real and scary and I want to help as much as I can, even though I’m just a high schooler. How can I help?” said senior Alana Salazar.
If you’re asking the same question as Alana, the most important way you can help, besides donating, is to educate yourself and use YOUR voice. Tell others about what is going on. You would be surprised to find out that some people are completely oblivious to what is transpiring outside of their bubble. Social media activity is bringing awareness to the cause.