The “All Eyes on Rafah” movement has gained significant attention on social media. Nearly 45 million Instagram users, including celebrities like Bella Hadid and Nicola Coughlan, have shared an AI-generated image depicting tent camps for displaced Palestinians. The slogan accompanying the image reads, “all eyes on Rafah.”
Rafah, located on the southern Gaza Strip near the Egyptian border, has been the subject of intense bombing by Israeli troops. Military strikes have set shelters on fire, leading Palestinians to dig through charred remains in search of survivors. So far, at least 45 Palestinians have lost their lives. Previously, Rafah was considered a humanitarian zone for civilians.
The use of AI-generated images in this context highlights the challenges faced by social media activists. Many Palestinian journalists have been using Instagram to share real-time updates from the ground, but algorithmic guidelines often hide graphic content. As a result, compelling images documenting the situation are sometimes censored at the platform level. In response, some users have turned to AI-generated visuals to raise awareness about Rafah.
While the movement has sparked debate, it underscores the power of social media platforms in amplifying important issues. Instagram, with its visual focus, provides a space for activists to share both videos and photos, even when traditional documentation faces obstacles. As the world pays attention to Rafah, the call remains: “all eyes on Rafah.” (ZIA LUNA)
