Days after Israel’s attack on Rafah, several A-list Bollywood celebrities have shown their solidarity with Palestine. Notable stars like Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan have shared posts with the hashtag “all eyes set on Rafah,” highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Bollywood Stars Show Solidarity with Palestine Amid Rafah Attacks.
Bollywood Stars Show Solidarity:
Alia Bhatt’s Heartfelt Message
Alia Bhatt took to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday to re-share a poignant post by @themotherhoodhome. The post emphasized that all children deserve love, safety, peace, and life, and that mothers should be able to provide these to their children. Alia added the caption “#AllEyesOnRafah” to express her support. Alia and her actor-husband Ranbir Kapoor welcomed their daughter Raha Kapoor in November 2022.
Kareena Kapoor and UNICEF
Kareena Kapoor, Alia’s sister-in-law, also used her Instagram Stories to show support. She re-shared a post from UNICEF’s official Instagram handle, featuring a statement by Executive Director Catherine Russell. The post condemned the killing of children and families in Rafah, labeling the act as “unconscionable.”
Varun Dhawan and Other Stars Join In
Actor Varun Dhawan shared the “All Eyes on Rafah” image on his Instagram Stories, joining the protest against Israel’s latest attack. Other actors who expressed solidarity included Triptii Dimri, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Samantha Prabhu, Dia Mirza, and Swara Bhasker.
The Rafah Attacks
The recent Israeli shelling and airstrikes have had devastating effects on Rafah, killing at least 37 people, most of whom were sheltering in tents outside the southern Gaza city. This assault, which began on May 6, has led to over 1 million people fleeing the city. The U.N. agency aiding Palestinian refugees reported that many of these individuals have been displaced multiple times during the nearly eight-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Humanitarian Crisis and Global Response
Field hospitals in the area have been overwhelmed by casualties from the strikes, struggling with a shortage of supplies to treat severe burns. The United States and other allies of Israel have warned against a full-scale offensive in Rafah. The Biden administration has declared that such actions would cross a “red line” and has refused to provide offensive arms for the undertaking.