The conflict between Israel and Palestine has once again escalated, with devastating consequences for the Palestinian people. In the city of Rafah, over 70 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Monday morning. This is particularly alarming considering that Rafah is home to more than half of Palestine's population, with 1.5 million people packed into an overcrowded city. Many of them are displaced individuals seeking refuge from violence elsewhere in Palestine.
What makes the situation even more distressing is that Israel had previously designated Rafah as a 'safe space' for Palestinians. However, with the recent attacks, it has become clear that Palestinians have nowhere to escape the conflict. This is especially concerning for the approximately 600,000 children who reside in Rafah.
The death toll of Palestinians since the Hamas attacks on Israel in early October last year is estimated to be over 28,000. These numbers paint a grim picture of the devastating impact on the lives of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the fact that the United States has provided over $130 billion in military aid to Israel over the years. The majority of Israel's weapons imports come from the US, raising questions about the international community's role in perpetuating the conflict.
The timing of the attacks in Rafah is particularly striking, as they occurred during the Super Bowl in the United States. Images from the violence in Rafah flooded social media, leading to the trending hashtag #SuperBowlMassacre. It is worth noting that the Super Bowl featured advertisements created by the Israeli government. This juxtaposition created a dissonance for those scrolling through their social media feeds during both events.
While it is challenging to verify information in such a fraught situation, an approximate timeline of events can be pieced together. Reports indicate that President Biden issued a statement to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and support of the more than one million people seeking shelter in Rafah.
Simultaneously, the Super Bowl commenced, and according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli special forces entered a building to rescue hostages. Shortly after, the IDF launched joint air and ground attacks in Rafah, claiming to have planned these actions meticulously to both rescue hostages and target Hamas terrorists.
During the Super Bowl, an advertisement produced by the Israeli government aired, urging the return of the hostages and costing approximately $7 million. Meanwhile, reports emerged of the destruction of mosques in Rafah, further escalating the devastation.
Eyewitness accounts from those affected by the attacks are heart-wrenching. Ibrahim Hassouna, who fled Northern Gaza, spoke of collecting his family's body parts since morning, lamenting that they had nothing to do with anything and questioning why they were bombed.
These events have sparked outrage and condemnation worldwide. Protests have erupted in London, New York, and other cities, demanding an end to the violence. President Biden himself criticized Netanyahu's indiscriminate bombing during a speech to Democratic donors, cautioning that Israel was starting to lose support due to its actions.
While the death toll continues to rise, hovering at over 100 according to some reports, it is crucial to recognize the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution. The suffering of innocent Palestinians cannot be ignored, and the international community must take a more active role in seeking a just and lasting solution to this decades-long conflict.
