In a visit to Israel this week, former U.S. presidential candidate Nikki Haley sparked controversy by inscribing "FINISH THEM" on an Israeli shell. The incident was captured in a photograph shared by Danny Danon, a member of the Israeli parliament and former ambassador to the United Nations, who accompanied Haley on her tour.

Haley, a Republican who served as America's U.N. ambassador during the Donald Trump administration, was seen bending down and using a purple marker to write on the shell. Danon shared the photo on social media, stating, "'Finish Them!' This is what my friend, the ambassador Nikki Haley, wrote."

As news of Haley's inscription circulated, human rights watchdogs expressed strong criticism, pointing to Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza. The months-long conflict has seen a disproportionate number of Palestinian civilian casualties. Former Human Rights Watch Executive Director Kenneth Roth condemned Haley's action, stating, "Nikki Haley shows who she is. As Israeli bombardment has killed far more Palestinian civilians than combatants, she signs a bomb, 'Finish them.' Why not just sign, 'I favor Israeli war crimes.'"

Haley's visit to the northern border of Israel took place a day after an Israeli airstrike resulted in the deaths of at least 45 civilians, including children, at a Palestinian refugee camp in Rafah, located in the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel's military claimed to have targeted a Hamas compound during the strike, resulting in the deaths of two senior militants. Shortly after, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized the incident as "a tragic mistake" and announced an investigation.

The airstrike drew swift international condemnation, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling for an immediate halt to Israel's operation in Rafah. Macron emphasized that there were "no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians."

According to estimates from Gaza, the ongoing conflict has claimed the lives of more than 35,000 people, predominantly Palestinians, in response to an attack carried out by Palestinian Hamas militants last year. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the taking of hundreds of hostages.

In response to the criticism surrounding her inscription on the Israeli shell, Haley defended her stance, calling for unwavering support for Israel. She emphasized the importance of providing weapons and refraining from praising international organizations that condemn Israel rather than focusing on the events on the ground.

As the situation in Gaza continues to escalate, the international community remains divided on how to address the enduring conflict and uphold human rights amidst mounting casualties.