In the context of the Suez Crisis, which saw escalated tensions in the Middle East due to the nationalization of the Suez Canal by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, Israel launched a military operation aimed at securing its borders and countering perceived threats from neighboring Arab states. As part of this operation, Israel invaded the Gaza Strip, a territory that had seen significant influxes of Palestinian refugees displaced by the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. On this day, amidst the chaos and military maneuvers, Israeli Defense Forces were reported to have shot dead several Palestinian refugees located in Rafah. Eyewitness accounts and reports from various sources pointed towards exacerbated tensions and fear among residents, highlighting the dangers faced by civilians in combat zones.

Moreover, the Rafah incident contributed to a growing narrative of violence and displacement within Palestinian communities, who were already suffering from the consequences of past conflicts. The shooting not only intensified hostilities but also raised international awareness regarding the plight of Palestinian refugees. It further complicated the fragile political landscape in the region, leading to increased criticism of Israeli military actions and policies. As the Suez Crisis unfolded, it became clear that civilian populations often bore the brunt of military operations.