An AI-generated image of Gaza with the phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” has been shared widely on social media platforms, especially on Instagram, where it has been shared over 47 million times as of May 31, 2024.
A devastating Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp in Rafah, southern Gaza, sparked widespread outrage after a powerful image and slogan went viral.
The attack killed at least 45 people and injured hundreds more, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel claimed it had targeted two Hamas commanders, suggesting a secondary explosion may have caused the deadly blaze.
The international community has widely condemned the strike, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing it as a “tragic mishap”.
The image and slogan gained widespread traction after a young man in Malaysia shared them on social media, as revealed by BBC Arabic.
Origin of the Phrase
The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” likely originated from a comment made by Rik Peeperkorn, the head of the World Health Organization’s office in the West Bank and Gaza, in February 2024.
At the time, over 1.5 million Palestinian refugees, who had been displaced from the northern and central regions of Gaza, were seeking refuge in the densely populated city of Rafah, which was simultaneously facing a barrage of Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military claimed these strikes were aimed at targeting Hamas militants in the area, according to an IDF spokesperson.
All eyes” were on Rafah, Peeperkorn said, a phrase which then became widely used by activists and made its way into graphics, like the one currently going viral.
The image is of a series of tents or truck beds against a rust orange background with multicolored rectangles. Mountains are visible in the background, and in the foreground are the words “All Eyes on Rafah”.
Why it’s shared
The image’s widespread appeal can be attributed to several factors.
Firstly, its abstract nature avoids graphic content, making it less likely to be censored by social media platforms.
Secondly, its shareable format on Instagram, which allows users to easily re-post it with the “add yours” feature, has significantly contributed to its viral success.
Comedian Tim Dillon wittily observed that it’s been shared with the fervor of promoting a new TV show on NBC.”
Popularity of the image
The image has been shared widely on social media platforms, with many people sharing it to show solidarity with Palestinians affected by the war in Gaza and raise awareness about the situation in Rafah. The image does not contain graphic content, which means it is not violating social media guidelines, and is easily shareable.
Criticisms of the Image
Some people have criticized the image for being performative, as it does not actually show the reality of the situation in Gaza. Others have pointed out that the image does not include the words “Palestine” or “Gaza,” names that have been politicized.
Impact of the image
While the image may not be showing the actual reality of the situation in Gaza, it has sparked a lot of conversation and has put pressure on leaders to implement policies that have a tangible impact on the situation.
In summary, this AI-generated image has captured global attention, but its impact remains a subject of debate. While it raises awareness, some argue that more concrete actions are needed to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
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