In the wake of the Israeli airstrike that reportedly claimed the lives of 45 individuals in Rafah, numerous Indian celebrities have stepped forward to denounce the violence.
The devastating airstrike, which caused a fire in a tent camp in the Gazan city of Rafah, has sparked outrage not only among global leaders but also within the Indian film fraternity. Following the incident late Sunday night (IST), several A-list celebrities have taken to social media platforms to condemn Israel’s actions and express solidarity with Gaza. Among these notable figures are Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Varun Dhawan, Sonam Kapoor, rapper Honey Singh, and Madhuri Dixit Nene.
Bollywood star Alia Bhatt utilized her Instagram stories to amplify a post by another user, which emphasized the importance of providing love, safety, peace, and life to all children. Accompanied by the hashtag “All Eyes On Rafah,” Bhatt's post served as a poignant reminder of the human toll of the conflict.
Similarly, Kareena Kapoor Khan shared a post from the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), condemning the Israeli attack. The post highlighted the tragic loss of life, particularly among children, and called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
Numerous other celebrities, including Varun Dhawan, Sonam Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Dulquer Salmaan, and many more, joined the chorus of condemnation by sharing a viral image bearing the words “All Eyes On Rafah” on their respective Instagram stories. The collective outcry from these influential figures underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for international attention and action.
According to reports from news agency Reuters, survivors of the airstrike recounted the harrowing experience of families sheltering in the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood when the strike occurred. The tragedy unfolded amidst an ongoing ground offensive by Israeli forces in the east of Rafah.
In response to the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged a "tragic mistake" and pledged to investigate the matter. However, the airstrike has reignited concerns over Israel’s ongoing conflict with Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, following an attack by the militant group Hamas.
The vocal condemnation from Indian celebrities serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of advocating for peace and justice on the global stage. As the international community grapples with the aftermath of the Rafah airstrike, the solidarity expressed by these celebrities offers hope for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict in the region.