Global Outcry After Israel’s Attack on Rafah
The viral image of white tents spelling out “All Eyes on Rafah” has flooded Instagram, with over 44 million shares, including posts from Bella Hadid, Nicola Coughlan, and Jenna Ortega. This surge in visibility follows a devastating Israeli military assault on Rafah, leaving at least 45 dead and over 200 injured, triggering global outrage and highlighting the dire situation in Gaza.

Origin of “All Eyes on Rafah
The phrase originated from Rick Peeperkorn of the World Health Organization, who warned in February that an Israeli military operation in Rafah would lead to an “unfathomable catastrophe.” This phrase has since become a rallying cry for pro-Palestinian groups as Israeli attacks intensified.

Controversy Over AI-Generated Image
Experts suggest the viral image is AI-generated, originally shared by user “shahv4012,” and criticized for not accurately portraying the harsh realities in Rafah. Journalist Yumna Patel condemned the trend, comparing it to the ineffective black square posts during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, questioning its actual impact on raising awareness.

Activism vs. Performative Gestures
The spread of the image has sparked discussions on the effectiveness of such posts in raising awareness versus sharing real images and actionable content. Despite allegations of shadow-banning by Instagram, the “All Eyes on Rafah” image continues to circulate widely.