As of Wednesday afternoon, approximately 45 million Instagram users, have shared an AI-generated image illustrating tent camps for displaced Palestinians under the slogan “all eyes on Rafah.”
This widespread sharing coincides with international criticism directed at Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip near the Egyptian border, which has experienced heavy bombardment by Israeli forces. These military strikes have resulted in the destruction of shelters, leading Palestinians to search through the charred debris in hopes of finding survivors. The death toll currently stands at a minimum of 45 Palestinians. Previously considered a humanitarian zone for civilians, Rafah now faces escalating violence and humanitarian crisis.
Sarah Jackson emphasizes the significance of acknowledging that numerous Palestinian journalists utilize Instagram to provide firsthand accounts of events on the ground. Despite facing direct targeting and censorship as a result, Instagram remains a popular platform for these journalists. Jackson highlights the challenge faced by social media activists in sharing images from Gaza, as algorithmic guidelines often obscure graphic content. Instagram acknowledges the reasons behind sharing such content but encourages users to accompany it with warnings about graphic violence, as outlined in its community guidelines.
The inspiration behind the image’s slogan likely stems from Richard Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for Gaza, who previously remarked that “all eyes” were focused on the events unfolding in Rafah. While it’s been noted that sharing the AI-generated image doesn’t automatically equate to being fully informed about the situation in Rafah, Jackson argues that if the intention is to raise awareness and demonstrate solidarity with the cause, then sharing the photo on one’s story holds value.