In a poignant testament to the enduring human spirit amidst conflict, Palestinian photojournalist Samar Abu Elouf has been awarded the 2025 World Press Photo of the Year for her heartrending image of nine-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour, a young boy who lost both arms in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza.
The photograph, taken for The New York Times, captures Mahmoud in Doha, Qatar, where he now resides following his evacuation from Gaza. The image portrays the boy’s resilience as he adapts to his new reality, using his feet to perform daily tasks, embodying both tragedy and hope.
Mahmoud’s life was irrevocably changed in March 2024 when an explosion severed one arm and mutilated the other as he fled with his family during an Israeli offensive. Now, in Doha, he dreams of acquiring prosthetic limbs and continues his recovery journey.
Abu Elouf, herself evacuated from Gaza in late 2023, now lives near Mahmoud in Doha. Her proximity to the subject allowed for an intimate portrayal that resonated deeply with the World Press Photo jury, who praised the image for its profound storytelling and historical context.
The ongoing conflict, which escalated after Hamas attacked southern Israel in October 2023, has resulted in over 51,000 Palestinian deaths, many of whom were women and children.
The World Press Photo contest, which received over 59,000 entries from photographers worldwide, also recognized other compelling works. Finalists included John Moore’s depiction of Chinese migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border and Musuk Nolte’s portrayal of extreme drought in the Amazon, highlighting themes of migration and climate change.
Abu Elouf’s award-winning photograph serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the resilience of those affected. Her work not only documents the harsh realities faced by civilians in war zones but also brings their stories to the forefront of global consciousness.
The World Press Photo Foundation will feature the winning images in an international exhibition, starting April 18, 2025, showcasing the profound impact of photojournalism in capturing and conveying the complexities of our world.
As the world grapples with ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, images like Abu Elouf’s play a crucial role in fostering empathy and understanding, reminding us of the shared humanity that binds us all.
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