📷 Image Credits: Mint
Amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes on southern Gaza’s Rafah, the question arises – where are millions of Palestinians fleeing? Israel’s genocidal mission against Hamas has forced Palestinians to move south to survive the escalating violence. Despite Israel claiming to target only Hamas fighters, over thirty thousand Palestinians, including children, have lost their lives in the airstrikes. The phrase ‘All eyes on Rafah’ has gained traction on social media as a symbol of support for the city’s residents. Recently, Israel targeted a ‘safe area’ in Rafah, leaving refugees searching for loved ones among the rubble.
Palestinians have fled or been displaced to neighbouring countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt, as well as seeking asylum in Europe and North America. However, the continuous airstrikes in Gaza have left Palestinians wondering where to seek safety next, with Rafah becoming the focus of global attention. The United Nations reports around one million civilians fleeing Rafah, facing increased shelling and ground assaults. Reports from AFP show people carrying their belongings, children, and seeking refuge in makeshift settlements in Khan Younis.
The phrase ‘Exist, resist, return!’ echoes the sentiment of a growing movement online, questioning if the current situation resembles a modern-day Nakba, referencing the displacement of Palestinians in 1948. As the conflict intensifies, world leaders have condemned the deadly strikes in Rafah, sparking international outrage. The ongoing violence has reignited discussions on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for immediate action to protect civilian lives. With Rafah as the focal point of attention, the world waits to see what steps will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the conflict.