MAKNA: Jurnal Kajian Komunikasi, Bahasa dan Budaya
Vol. 17 No. 2 (2025): MAKNA: Jurnal Kajian Komunikasi, Bahasa dan Budaya

From Image to Impact: The Viral Spread of “All Eyes on Rafah” and Its Global Repercussions

Teguh Luhuringbudi (UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)
Purnama Putra (Universitas Islam 45 Bekasi)
Fitri Liza (Universitas Islam Negeri Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta)
Mowafg Abrahem Masuwd (University of Zawia, Libya)
Dewi Nita Utami (Madrasah Tsanawiyah Al-Iman Pegayaman Buleleng Bali)
Abdulnasir Dhaw Alsayd (University of Zawia, Libya)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Aug 2025

Abstract

The viral dissemination of the AI-generated image “All Eyes on Rafah” has had a profound global impact, igniting widespread humanitarian concern and political discourse. This study employs a qualitative-descriptive interdisciplinary approach, drawing on Agenda Setting Theory (McCombs & Shaw), Marshall McLuhan’s media theory, and Alexander Wendt’s Constructivism to analyze this phenomenon. Primary data comprise viral news reports and social media images documenting the Israeli bombing of Rafah refugee camps, which resulted in approximately 55 civilian casualties. Data collection involved comprehensive reading, detailed note-taking, and thematic categorization, followed by analytical stages of restatement, description, and interpretation. The findings underscore the pivotal role of AI and social media in amplifying humanitarian crises, demonstrating how media agendas shape public perception and influence international political responses. This research advances the understanding of the interplay between digital media, political communication, and human rights advocacy, highlighting both the transformative potential and ethical complexities of AI-generated imagery in mobilizing global attention and action.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

makna

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

Makna: Jurnal Kajian Komunikasi, Bahasa, dan Budaya is an open access scientific research journal published twice a year in March and September by Faculty of Communication, English Language and Literature of Universitas Islam "45" Bekasi. Makna: Jurnal Kajian Komunikasi, Bahasa, dan Budaya has been ...