Shruti Suman
Despite the UN’s directive to cease operations, Israeli forces have continued their assault on Rafah, once considered a last refuge in the territory.
Global Focus on Rafah :
The phrase “All eyes on Rafah” has gained traction on social media, symbolizing global concern over the ongoing violence in this Gaza city. Numerous celebrities have shared messages of support for Palestinians using the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah. This phrase has become a rallying cry to raise awareness about the war’s impact.
Rafah was previously a major entry point for humanitarian aid before Israel intensified its military operations at the border crossing. The ongoing conflict has displaced over a million Palestinians, many of whom had already been forced to move due to the war between Israel and Hamas.
Humanitarian Crisis and International Response
Palestinians in Gaza face relentless Israeli attacks, moving continuously within the Strip. Following Israeli orders to evacuate from the north, many have fled south to Rafah, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reported that Israeli shelling near health facilities in Rafah has left only one operational.
Humanitarian groups warn of a deepening crisis as fighting in Rafah cuts off essential aid routes. The recent offensive has drawn renewed condemnation from global leaders, but Israel remains determined to continue its operations despite international criticism and a warning from the United States.
Escalation of Conflict
The Israeli army stated that their aircraft targeted a Hamas compound in Rafah, killing two senior operatives, Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar. They acknowledged civilian casualties from the strike and the subsequent fire, indicating that the incident is under investigation.
The United Nations has expressed increasing concern about potential famine in Gaza, especially in the north. UN officials are also worried about rising malnutrition in the south following the Rafah incursion.
The United States faces growing pressure to adopt a firmer stance against the Israeli assault, with questions arising about President Joe Biden’s tolerance for the continued strikes in Rafah despite the International Court of Justice’s order.
Israeli tanks have reportedly moved into central and southwest Rafah, escalating the conflict that began after Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, which killed over 1,170 people, mostly civilians. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has so far resulted in over 36,000 deaths in Gaza.
