IN a powerful display of digital activism, nearly 45 million Instagram users, including high-profile celebrities, have rallied around the cause of displaced Palestinians in Rafah by sharing an image generated with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The image, which has gone viral, features tent camps and the poignant slogan ‘All Eyes on Rafah’, capturing the world’s attention as well as highlighting the plight of those affected by the turmoil across Gaza.

The viral post has become a symbol of solidarity and a call to action, as it coincides with intense criticism from the international community over the situation in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip near the Egyptian border. The area, which was once a designated humanitarian zone, has suffered devastating military strikes, resulting in significant casualties and destruction.

The surge in support on social media, particularly Instagram, underscores the platform’s role as a vital tool for social change. The visual nature of Instagram allows activists to share impactful images and stories, drawing attention towards critical issues. However, this has not been without challenges, as many Palestinian journalists have faced censorship, and graphic content often gets suppressed due to algorithmic guidelines used by various social media platforms.

Despite the controversy surrounding the use of AI for generating the image, the post has sparked much conversation about the effectiveness of internet activism and the ways in which social media can be harnessed to shed light on humanitarian crises. As the post continues to spread, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and atrocities faced by the Palestinians, and the power of collective action in the modern, digital age.

Maqsood Hussain
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2024