GUWAHATI: Multiple people, including children, were reportedly killed in a refugee camp in Gaza's Rafah following an Israeli airstrike on May 26.
This incident occurred just days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its operations in Rafah, intensifying international condemnation and further isolating Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The attack on Rafah, launched late Sunday by Israeli forces, came hours after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv, most of which were intercepted.
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According to reports, despite the UN court's directive to cease operations in Rafah, Israeli forces continued their assault on the border town, which was previously considered a last refuge in the territory.
‘All eyes on Rafah' is a phrase that refers to the ongoing genocide in this Gaza city. The phrase is trending on social media as global support poured in for the Palestinians affected by the Israeli strikes.
The hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah has gained popularity on social media, symbolising global awareness and support for Palestinians affected by the Israeli strikes. Numerous celebrities have expressed their solidarity using this hashtag, calling attention to the humanitarian crisis in Rafah.
Rafah, a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid, saw increased military action by Israel earlier this month, leading to the seizure of the crossing. The fighting has forced over 1 million Palestinians to flee, many of whom were already displaced by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Displaced Palestinians have been moving throughout the Gaza Strip, with many heading to Rafah after evacuating from northern and central Gaza, as well as Khan Yunis, under Israeli orders.
The health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza reported that Israeli shelling around health facilities in Rafah has left only one operational. Humanitarian organisations warn of a worsening crisis as the fighting in Rafah disrupts the main aid routes into Gaza. Despite international condemnation and warnings from the US, Israel has vowed to continue its offensive in Rafah.
The Israeli military claimed that their airstrike targeted a Hamas compound, killing senior Hamas operatives Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar. They acknowledged civilian casualties from the strike and the ensuing fire, stating that the incident is under investigation.
The war in Gaza escalated following Hamas's earlier attack on southern Israel in October 2023, which reportedly resulted in over 1,170 deaths, primarily civilians. Israel's retaliatory actions have since led to at least 36,096 deaths in Gaza, as per reports. The ongoing conflict has prompted increasing pressure on the US to adopt a firmer stance, especially in light of the International Court of Justice's order for Israel to cease its operations in Rafah.
