Where 'All Eyes on Rafah' Slogan Started and What It Means

The slogan "All Eyes on Rafah" originated from a comment by Rick Peeperkorn, director of the World Health Organization’s Office of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In February, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's order for an evacuation plan for Rafah, Peeperkorn remarked, "All eyes are on Rafah."

Call for Awareness

This phrase is a plea for global awareness of the situation in Rafah, where approximately 1.4 million people have sought refuge amidst ongoing Israeli military actions. It emphasizes the need to focus on the humanitarian crisis affecting the civilian population in the city.

Adoption by Activist Groups

Various organizations such as Save the Children, Oxfam, Americans for Justice in Palestine Action, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign have adopted the slogan. It has become a central theme at protests worldwide, including in cities like Paris, London, New York City, and Los Angeles.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Jewish Voice for Peace (@jewishvoiceforpeace)

Celebrity Endorsements

Several celebrities have amplified the slogan on social media. In India, actors Varun Dhawan, Aly Goni, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Tripti Dimri shared "All Eyes on Rafah" graphics on Instagram. Other notable figures who have voiced support include Australian cricket player Travis Head, British singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock, model Bella Hadid, and actresses Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Susan Sarandon, and Farhan Bodi.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by FARHANA (@farhanabodi)

Social Media Impact

The hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah has garnered significant attention on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with over 195,000 posts and millions of views. Palestinian American pop singer Zach Matari and other pro-Palestinian creators such as Lubna Alhilo, Liz Kuhn, and Reema Bassoumi have contributed to the viral spread of the slogan.

@zachmatari

All Eyes On Rafah

♬ original sound - ZachMatari

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by zach matari (@zachmatari)