The southern Gaza city of Rafah bore witness to a devastating Israeli airstrike on May 26, resulting in the loss of civilian lives. The tragedy unfolded as 45 people, most of whom were sheltering in tents, lost their lives. The incident has sparked global outrage and condemnation, with India expressing deep concern over the heartbreaking loss of innocent lives.
Randhir Jaiswal MEA spokesperson on Rafah
Randhir Jaiswal addressed the situation during his weekly media briefing, emphasizing the need for protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law in the ongoing conflict. “The heartbreaking loss of civilian lives in the displacement camp in Rafah is a matter of deep concern for us,” Jaiswal stated. “We have consistently called for respect for international humanitarian law and the safeguarding of civilian populations.”
Israel has accepted responsibility for the tragic incident and announced an investigation. However, the toll of violence continues to rise, with over 35,000 people killed in Gaza during the Israeli offensive, according to Hamas-run authorities. India has consistently advocated for de-escalation and a two-state solution to the Palestine issue, supporting the establishment of a sovereign, viable, and independent state of Palestine alongside Israel.
Randhir Jaiswal also addressed Spain, Ireland, and Norway’s recent recognition of Palestine. He reminded that India had recognized Palestine back in the 1980s and reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution.
On India’s position regarding the recognition of #Palestine by Ireland, Norway and Spain @MEAIndia spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, India was one of the first countries to recognize the state of Palestine in the late 1980s, and we have long supported a two-state solution. pic.twitter.com/LMPsao4WHf
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 30, 2024
While the world grapples with the devastating impact of conflict, the loss of civilian lives in Rafah remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for peace and compassion. As the international community rallies for justice, the date of May 26, 2024, will forever be etched in our collective memory as a day of heartbreak and tragedy.
Spain, Ireland, and Norway Formally Recognize Palestine
In a historic decision, Spain, Ireland, and Norway have officially recognized the State of Palestine. This move comes after nearly nine months of Israeli bombardment of Gaza, and it has prompted both praise and fury from different corners of the world. Let’s delve into what this recognition means and its potential implications.
Historical Palestine lies divided between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and the besieged Gaza Strip. For decades, Palestinians living in these territories have remained effectively stateless, caught in the limbo of a peace process that has yielded neither peace nor a state to call their own.
Recognition and Diplomatic Relations
Spain, Ireland, and Norway did not merely recognize an existing state; they acknowledged the possibility of one. By doing so, they have paved the way for increased diplomatic relations between the Palestinian Authority and their respective countries. Here are the key points:
- Borders and Capital: All three nations announced that they would recognize Palestine based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
- Embassies: Dublin has committed to upgrading both the Palestinian mission in Dublin and its own offices in Palestine to embassies. Oslo and Madrid have already taken this step.
- Symbolic Impact: The hope is that this symbolic recognition will boost Palestine’s international standing and exert more pressure on Israel to engage in negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Global implications
Given Ireland’s and Spain’s membership in the European Union (EU), this move is expected to put the status of Palestine firmly on the agenda during the upcoming EU elections (June 6-9). The EU’s stance on Palestine could significantly influence the broader international discourse.
Spain, Ireland, and Norway’s recognition has already spurred Slovenia, which is expected to follow suit and recognize Palestine by June 13. This domino effect underscores the growing traction of the idea within economically and diplomatically powerful Western European states.
Of the 193 members of the United Nations General Assembly, 143 had previously recognized Palestine. With the recent additions, the total number of states recognizing Palestine now stands at 146.
Palestinians across Gaza and the West Bank have expressed optimism and pride in their country and cause being recognized more widely. However, they remain cautious, knowing that recognition alone does not guarantee their rights or security.
Israel has responded with fury, emphasizing that recognition of the State of Palestine does not necessarily indicate a Palestine-friendly foreign policy. The situation remains complex, and the road to lasting peace remains elusive.
Spain, Ireland, and Norway’s recognition of Palestine marks a significant milestone. While it may not immediately alter the ground reality, it sends a powerful message about the urgency of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the world watches, the eyes of many remain fixed on this historic decision.
What is “All eyes on Rafah” trend?
An artificial intelligence (AI)-generated image with the text “All eyes on Rafah” has taken social media by storm, garnering over 40 million shares on Instagram. But what does this slogan mean, and why is it capturing global attention?
Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip near the border with Egypt, has become the focal point of Israel’s recent military actions. As Israel began bombing Rafah from the north and moved southward, Palestinians fled their homes, seeking refuge in this city. By February, nearly half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population had sought shelter in Rafah. Israel’s announcement of a planned ground operation in Rafah, citing the presence of Hamas four brigades, drew condemnation worldwide.
Richard “Rik” Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative for Gaza and the occupied West Bank, emphasized the significance of Rafah. His statement likely inspired the slogan “All eyes on Rafah,” which has since appeared on protest posters and social media posts.
The Situation in Rafah
On Sunday, just 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, a previously declared safe zone in western Rafah. Another attack in a displacement camp west of Rafah claimed 21 lives, including 12 women. Air attacks continued on Wednesday morning. Since October 7, Israel has killed at least 36,171 people in Gaza, according to the Ministry of Health.
The AI-generated image that accompanies the slogan depicts an aerial view of a camp with orderly rows of tents nestled between snowy peaks. In the center, lighter-colored tents spell out “All eyes on Rafah.” The clear blue sky with cotton-ball clouds serves as the backdrop.
Global Outcry and Calls for Ceasefire
The devastating impact of Israel’s airstrikes on Rafah’s civilian population has prompted global outcry. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire, echoing the ICJ’s ruling. As the world watches, the slogan “All eyes on Rafah” continues to resonate, urging attention to this humanitarian crisis.
The power of social media has amplified the urgency of the situation in Rafah. As the conflict persists, the eyes of the world remain fixed on this embattled city, hoping for peace and justice.
Bollywood Celebrities supported “All Eyes on Rafah”
The ongoing conflict in Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip, has captured the attention of Bollywood celebrities. As Israel’s airstrikes and shelling continue to devastate the region, stars like Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Varun Dhawan, and Priyanka Chopra have taken to social media to express their solidarity with the Palestinian people. Let’s delve into how Bollywood is supporting the “All Eyes on Rafah” campaign.
For months, the Israel-Hamas war has dominated headlines, leaving many celebrities torn between speaking out for the Palestinian cause or remaining silent. Those who chose not to address the conflict faced relentless criticism from pro-Palestinian support groups and activists. A Twitter “block list” even called for boycotting celebrities who didn’t use their platforms to raise awareness about the unfolding violence.
Alia Bhatt, previously included in the block list, broke her silence by sharing a heartfelt post on her official Instagram account. She reshared a message from The Motherhood Home, emphasizing that all children deserve love, safety, peace, and life. Her caption included the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah. The image she shared depicted the stark reality of the conflict—a family displaced for the eighth time due to Israeli attacks in Rafah.
Kareena Kapoor Khan also used her Instagram stories to amplify the cause. She reshared a post by UNICEF, quoting UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. Russell condemned the killing of children and families in Rafah, labeling it “unconscionable.” Kareena’s action highlighted the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Varun Dhawan joined the movement by reposting the viral “All Eyes on Rafah” image. This powerful visual has circulated widely on Instagram, urging viewers to pay attention to the airstrikes and shelling that have claimed lives in the city. Varun’s simple act of sharing the image contributes to raising awareness globally
Priyanka Chopra, too, shared the same image on her Instagram stories without adding any words. Her silent support speaks volumes, as the world watches the tragedy unfold in Rafah. The situation in Rafah remains dire. Israeli attacks have killed at least 45 people, including children who sought refuge in tents outside the city. This tragedy occurred just days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its operations in Rafah.
Bollywood’s collective voice amplifies the urgency of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah continues to trend, the eyes of millions remain fixed on this embattled city, hoping for peace and justice.
