Ritika Sajdeh, wife of Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, found herself embroiled in controversy after sharing a post on Instagram with the phrase ‘All eyes on Rafah’ in support of Palestinians during the recent conflict in Gaza. However, her post drew criticism from some social media users who accused her of selective activism, leading her to delete it shortly after.
The phrase ‘All eyes on Rafah’ emerged as Israel launched fresh attacks in Gaza, despite ongoing international criticism and a court order to stop airstrikes. Rafah, the southernmost exit point of Gaza, is home to over a million people, half of Gaza’s population.
A section of social media users expressed dissatisfaction with Sajdeh’s choice to speak out on this issue, highlighting her perceived lack of concern for other humanitarian crises. Some alleged that her post was part of a ‘paid story’ and that she was unaware of the ‘fraudulent activities’ of pro-Palestinian groups.
Sajdeh’s post sparked a wider conversation about the complex dynamics of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the role of celebrities in using their platforms to address social and political issues.
The conflict in Gaza has drawn international attention and concern, leading to protests and calls for a ceasefire. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Rafah, where over 1.4 million Palestinians have sought shelter, has highlighted the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.
