An AI-generated image with the text “All Eyes on Rafah” has gone viral, being re-shared over 46 million times amid Israel’s attacks on Gaza’s Rafah. This image has dominated social media discourse on Israel’s war on Gaza, appearing on countless Instagram stories and other platforms. Here’s a deep dive into the trend and the significance behind the slogan “All Eyes on Rafah.”
What Does “All Eyes on Rafah” Mean?
The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” is an AI-generated image with a slogan that draws attention to the situation in Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip, near the border with Egypt. Following the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza, Israeli forces began bombing from the north, pushing Palestinians to flee southward. By February, nearly half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population had been displaced into Rafah, with Israel announcing plans to launch a ground operation there, citing the presence of Hamas brigades.
This announcement sparked global condemnation. Richard “Rik” Peeperkorn, WHO representative for Gaza and the occupied West Bank, emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating, “All eyes” are on the impending Rafah offensive. Ameera Kawash, a UK-based Palestinian-Iraqi-American artist and researcher, whose work explores the effect of AI on Palestinian lives and narratives, suggested that the “All Eyes on Rafah” slogan likely originated from Peeperkorn’s statement. The slogan has since been used extensively in protest posters and social media posts.
What’s Happening in Rafah?
Rafah has been a focal point of conflict and humanitarian crisis. On a Sunday, two days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to halt its offensive on Rafah, Israeli bombardment killed at least 45 people in al-Mawasi in western Rafah, a zone previously declared safe. Further attacks on Tuesday killed 21 people in a displacement camp west of Rafah, including at least 12 women. Air attacks continued to be reported on Wednesday morning.
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Since the conflict escalated on October 7, Israel has killed at least 36,171 people in Gaza, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza.
The Viral “All Eyes on Rafah” Image
The AI-generated image that has gone viral shows an aerial view of a camp with orderly rows of tents nestled between what appear to be snowy peaks. In the middle, lighter-colored tents spell out “All Eyes on Rafah,” with a clear blue sky and cotton-ball clouds in the background. However, this depiction is far from the reality of Rafah, which is filled with grey skies from Israeli bombs, smoldering tents, and scattered debris.
Rafah is far more crowded than depicted, with an estimated 1.4 million people seeking refuge there from Israeli attacks by February, according to the United Nations. Al Jazeera’s Sanad fact-checking agency confirmed the image’s AI origin, noting tell-tale signs such as repetition, symmetrical alignment of the tents, lack of detail, and absence of shadows.
The Impact of the “All Eyes on Rafah” Trend
The viral spread of the “All Eyes on Rafah” image highlights the power of social media in shaping public awareness and discourse about global conflicts. It underscores the role of AI in creating compelling visual narratives that can rapidly gain traction online. The slogan serves as a poignant reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Rafah and the broader Gaza Strip, calling on the global community to pay attention and take action.
In conclusion, the “All Eyes on Rafah” trend is a significant example of how AI-generated content can influence social media discourse and bring attention to critical humanitarian issues. As the situation in Rafah continues to develop, it remains crucial for the international community to stay informed and engaged.