The AI-generated image titled ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ has taken social media by storm, especially Instagram stories, in the wake of Israel’s conflict with Gaza. The image, created using artificial intelligence, features an orderly tent camp in a snowy, mountainous setting, with tents spelling out the slogan against a clear sky.
The image has drawn attention to the situation in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city near Egypt. Since Monday, Instagram stories have reshared the image over 46 million times, following Israel’s deadly offensive on Gaza’s Rafah.
What’s happening in Rafah?
Israeli bombardments and military operations have targeted Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip. These attacks have displaced many Palestinians, who have sought refuge in Rafah. The bombings have caused significant damage to the city and killed numerous civilians.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports that Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in over 36,000 deaths since October 7. The situation in Rafah is part of the broader conflict between Israel and Gaza.
What does the ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ image look like?
The AI-generated image titled ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ depicts an orderly tent camp in a snowy, mountainous setting. The tents, arranged in rows, spell out the slogan ‘All Eyes on Rafah.’ The image’s symmetrical composition, lack of detail, and absence of shadows indicate its AI origin. This image starkly contrasts with the reality in Rafah, which is crowded, smoky from bombings, and filled with debris.
All eyes on #Rafah 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/bg3bAtl3dQ
— The Palestinian (@InsiderWorld_1) May 27, 2024
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Here’s what Rafah looked like on Monday:
Here’s an image of Rafah from Tuesday:
Who has shared the ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ image?
The ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ image has seen widespread sharing on social media, particularly on Instagram stories. As of Thursday, various individuals, including celebrities like Bella Hadid, Nicola Coughlan, Hasan Minhaj, Aaron Paul, Jameela Jamil, Dua Lipa, and various Indian actors, have reposted it over 46.6 million times on Instagram stories.
User @shahv4012 posted the first Instagram story using the image on Monday. The image has gained significant visibility through its widespread sharing on social media platforms.
Why is ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ so viral?
Several factors have contributed to the virality of the ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ image. The “Add Yours” feature on Instagram has facilitated its rapid spread. The AI-generated nature of the image may have allowed it to bypass content filters and avoid censorship, enabling it to gain traction. The image also provides a way for celebrities and individuals to discuss the conflict without sharing graphic real-world images, which may be restricted by social media policies.
How have people reacted to ‘All Eyes on Rafah’?
People have had mixed reactions to the ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ image. Some celebrate its viral spread as a means of raising awareness about the conflict. However, others criticize it as performative activism that distracts from real updates and images. Critics argue that the image undermines Palestinian testimony and trivializes their lived experiences. The image’s popularity has sparked discussions about the ethics and impact of using AI-generated images in activism.
palestinian journalists have been risking their lives for months to document every single massacre and instead people are reposting an ai-generated “art” that says “all eyes on rafah” and tells us nothing about what is actually happening on the ground or gives us any action items
— maryam مريم🇵🇸🍁 (@bluepashminas) May 28, 2024
All eyes on Rafah on your story and it’s posted by someone who hasn’t mentioned the genocide since October
— haaniyah angus (@_haaniyah_) May 28, 2024
Some have suggested what else to post instead of re-sharing the AI-generated image.
Here’s a real image to use to call awareness for ALL EYES ON RAFAH and the ongoing genocide happening in Gaza and across Palestine pic.twitter.com/XZ0ZloFAGt
— 𝓵𝓫🍉 (@indiespicee) May 28, 2024
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People start speaking up by reposting this image saying “ALL EYES ON RAFAH”, I hope people know that this is a long term movement, not just reposting a single no context AI image & call it done
PLEASE ALSO SHARE CONTEXT ABOUT RAFAH. u can start by reposting useful infographics🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/TCISebaJ7T
Advertisement— Ida 🗝️🕊️commissions open! (@sulkycatz) May 29, 2024
What’s next after ‘All Eyes on Rafah’?
The future course of action following the viral spread of the ‘All Eyes on Rafah’ image remains uncertain. As Israel’s assaults on Rafah intensify, the image’s virality helps bring global attention to the crisis in the city. However, there are concerns that the messaging falls short of addressing the immediate needs, such as calling for an immediate ceasefire. Some argue that the messaging should also include demands for governments to sanction Israel.
The image’s spread highlights both the potential of AI-generated images to spread the Palestinian narrative and their limitations. It also raises questions about how these images may aestheticize and normalize scenes of violence, potentially rendering them more digestible and safe.
