The recent escalation of violence in Rafah, Gaza, has led to significant casualties and widespread international condemnation. An Israeli airstrike on a refugee camp in Rafah resulted in the deaths of at least 45 people, including children.
This incident occurred just days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to cease its operations in Rafah, a decision that Israel has not adhered to.
The airstrike was a response to a barrage of rockets launched by Hamas towards Tel Aviv, most of which were intercepted by Israeli defences. Despite the ICJ’s ruling, Israeli forces continued their assault on Rafah, which has been a critical entry point for humanitarian aid and a refuge for many displaced Palestinians.
The ongoing conflict has forced more than one million Palestinians to flee, with many having to relocate multiple times within Gaza.
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The global community has reacted with outrage, with the phrase “All eyes on Rafah” trending on social media as a call for increased awareness and support for those affected. Several celebrities and public figures have joined in expressing their solidarity with Palestinians using the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly, with the health ministry in Gaza reporting that Israeli shelling has rendered almost all health facilities in Rafah non-operational. Humanitarian groups warn of a growing crisis as aid routes have been cut off.
In response to the strike, the Israeli military claimed to have targeted a Hamas compound, killing two senior Hamas operatives. However, they acknowledged the reports of civilian casualties and stated that an investigation is underway.
The United States and other global leaders are under increasing pressure to address the situation. President Joe Biden faces mounting calls to take a stronger stance against the Israeli offensive, especially in light of the ICJ’s order to halt the operation in Rafah.
The conflict, which began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in over 1,170 deaths in Israel, primarily civilians, and at least 36,096 deaths in Gaza due to Israel’s retaliatory actions. The ongoing violence continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
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