At least 45 people, including children, were killed at a refugee camp in Gaza’s Rafah after an Israeli airstrike, sparking international outrage and deepening Israel’s global isolation over its actions in Gaza. The devastating attack came just days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its operations in Rafah, a command seemingly ignored in the relentless conflict.
The airstrike occurred late Sunday, hours after Hamas launched a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv, most of which were intercepted. Despite the UN court’s directive, Israeli forces pressed their assault on Rafah, a town once seen as Gaza’s last refuge.
The phrase “All Eyes On Rafah” has been trending on social media, amplifying global support for Palestinians affected by the Israeli strikes. Celebrities and supporters worldwide have used the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah to raise awareness about the ongoing war, turning Rafah into a symbol of resistance and suffering.
Rafah, once a major entry point for humanitarian aid, has become a battleground. Over 1 million Palestinians have fled the area, many already displaced by the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. With Israeli forces instructing those in the north to evacuate, hundreds of thousands moved south to Rafah, only to find themselves in the crosshairs once again.
The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reported that Israeli shelling has left only one operational health facility in Rafah. Humanitarian groups warn of a spiraling crisis as the fighting has cut off main aid routes into the territory.
The Israeli military claimed the airstrike targeted a Hamas compound, killing two senior operatives, Yassin Rabia and Khaled Nagar. While acknowledging civilian casualties, they stated the incident was under investigation.
The United States faces growing pressure to take a firmer stance following the deadly strike. The UN Chief has expressed increasing concerns about malnutrition in southern Gaza, exacerbated by the conflict. The war began after Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, which killed over 1,170 people. Israel’s retaliatory strikes have since resulted in at least 36,096 deaths in Gaza.
As the world watches, the question remains: how long can this cycle of violence continue, and who will step in to stop it?
