Importance Score: 72 / 100 🔴
Gazan Boy’s Portrait Wins World Press Photo Award
A poignant image of a young Palestinian child from Gaza, who tragically lost both arms in an Israeli airstrike, has been awarded the prestigious World Press Photo of the Year for 2025. This impactful photograph highlights the devastating impact of conflict on children in Gaza.
Details of the Incident
Mahmoud Ajjour, a 9-year-old, was fleeing bombardment in Gaza with his family when he turned back to encourage his family members to hasten forward, according to a statement issued by the World Press Photo organization accompanying the photograph captured by Palestinian photojournalist Samar Abu Elouf.
Subsequently, he was wounded in an explosion, the non-profit organization based in the Netherlands stated.
One of young Ajjour’s arms was completely severed in the blast, while the other sustained severe damage and regrettably required amputation.
A Mother’s Heartbreak
“One of the most heartbreaking details Mahmoud’s mother shared with me was the moment Mahmoud fully grasped the reality of his amputated arms,” Abu Elouf recounted in the World Press Photo organization’s statement. “His initial question to her was, ‘How will I be able to embrace you?’”
Journey to Recovery
Ajjour was medically evacuated from Gaza to Doha, Qatar, for treatment, where Abu Elouf captured his portrait for The New York Times. The photographer also relocated to Doha.
Impact of Conflict on Gazan Children
Ajjour is among hundreds of children in Gaza who have suffered limb loss during the ongoing conflict. Tragically, over 51,000 individuals have perished since October 7, 2023, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-governed territory.
UNICEF issued a dire warning in December, stating that more than 1,000 children in Gaza had undergone amputations of one or both legs alone since October 7, 2023. This period marks the commencement of Israel’s military operation in the region, initiated after attacks led by Hamas resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities in Israel and around 250 individuals taken hostage, marking a significant escalation in the protracted conflict.
Healthcare Crisis in Gaza
“These figures are staggering,” Dr. Ahmed Al-Fara, head of pediatrics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, conveyed to NBC News earlier this month. He emphasized that thousands of children have also been killed, and countless others are now without one or both parents.
Dr. Al-Fara expressed his incomprehension at “the global silence” amid the extensive destruction in Gaza, where significant portions of the enclave have been reduced to rubble.
UNICEF reports that numerous surgical procedures on children in Gaza have been conducted without anesthesia. Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure has been severely crippled by Israel’s military campaign, which resumed last month following a temporary lull in hostilities.
Ceasefire Efforts and Ongoing Hostilities
Discussions for a lasting cessation of hostilities were anticipated to commence following the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement. This phase involved Hamas releasing 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for the release of approximately 1,800 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, concluding on March 1.
However, Israeli forces disrupted the fragile truce and have since initiated renewed airstrikes within the enclave, alongside resuming ground military operations.
Furthermore, Israel has imposed restrictions on the entry of essential medical supplies, along with food, water, and other vital aid, during a blockade of the territory lasting over a month.
Efforts aimed at securing a more enduring ceasefire and ensuring the liberation of hostages held in Gaza have thus far been unsuccessful.
Life After Loss
In the meantime, Mahmoud is adapting to life without his arms, the World Press Photo organization stated, adding that he requires assistance with most everyday tasks, including eating and dressing.
He is also learning to utilize his feet for activities such as opening doors, writing, and playing games on his mobile phone. He harbors hope of receiving prosthetic limbs — a desire now shared by an increasing number of children in Gaza.