Ritika Sajdeh, wife of Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, has taken a public stand in support of Palestinians amid the escalating conflict in Gaza.
On Tuesday, Ritika shared an Instagram story with the phrase “All Eyes on Rafah,” joining a global movement drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The phrase “All Eyes on Rafah” has become a social media rallying cry as people worldwide show solidarity with the over 1.4 million Palestinians seeking refuge from relentless Israeli airstrikes. Ritika’s post underscores the urgent need for international awareness and action.
However, her stance has sparked criticism from a segment of Indian social media users, highlighting the contentious nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict within India.
The situation in Rafah has deteriorated sharply, with recent Israeli bombings targeting a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) refugee camp, killing at least 45 people. Despite the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling against the continued Israeli military actions, airstrikes persist, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
On Tuesday, first responders reported that at least 16 Palestinians were killed in the latest strikes on Rafah. The southern Gaza city, previously considered a safe haven, now faces severe bombardment, forcing nearly 1 million residents to flee. These displaced individuals, many of whom were already uprooted by earlier conflicts between Israel and Hamas, now endure harsh conditions in overcrowded tent camps.