What is the story
On Sunday, Israeli forces carried out airstrikes on the Rafah refugee camp, killing at least 45 people and wounding around 250.
The incident occurred just days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to halt its operations in Rafah, sparking international condemnation.
In particular, the incident led to a revival of the slogan “Pay attention to Rafa” in Western Europe, Australia and India, raising awareness of the ongoing war.
Why is this story important?
Around 1.5 million Palestinians are seeking refuge in Rafah, the majority of whom are displaced.
They were forced to flee their homes after the war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7 last year.
Since then, Rafah has become a haven for displaced Palestinians seeking safety near the Egyptian border.
The October 7 attacks left 1,200 people dead in Israel, while Gaza’s Ministry of Health said more than 33,100 Palestinians had lost their lives in Israeli attacks.
Origins of the “Pay Attention to Rapha” slogan
The slogan “Focus on Rafah” appears to have been derived from a comment made by Rick Pieperkorn, director of the World Health Organization’s office in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“All eyes are on Rafah,” Piperkorn said in February, days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the development of plans for the evacuation of the city of Rafah ahead of a planned attack to “destroy the battalions” of Hamas.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has long viewed Lahaf as Hamas’ last stronghold.
Attack begins after Hamas rocket barrage
Israel launched its attack on Sunday despite global pleas and a warning from the United States not to attack Rafah.
The attack was reportedly launched after a Hamas barrage of rockets in the Tel Aviv area.
Amid global outrage, the Israeli military said it was investigating the incident, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack had not been intended to cause civilian casualties and called it a “tragic accident.”
The Israeli military said it was continuing its ground offensive.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army said it was continuing its ground offensive in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday despite growing protests against its actions. The New York Times report.
according to AFP21 people were killed in an airstrike on a “humanitarian area” in the Al-Mawasi district west of Rafah.
However, the Israeli military has denied any involvement.
