- The Palestinian photographer spent about four months in Gaza.
- He has 18.2 million followers on Insta and 1.1 million on Twitter.
- A photojournalist is raising awareness about the Gaza crisis.
Time magazine has included Palestinian photographer Motaz Azaiza in the 'Icons' category of 'The 100 Most Influential People of 2024'.
The magazine said Azaiza acted as the eyes and ears of the world in Gaza for 108 days.
“Armed with a camera and a bulletproof vest marked 'PRESS,' the 25-year-old Palestinian photographer spent nearly four months documenting life under Israeli bombardment: families displaced from their homes, women mourning loved ones, a man trapped under the rubble.” he said he.
He said the images provided by the young man offered a glimpse into Gaza, where Israel has banned international journalists from entering.
Acknowledging Time's ad, the journalist said he felt truly blessed to share his country's name with him wherever he went or whatever achievement he achieved.
“For those who do not recognize Palestine as a State, or for those who claim it is their land. Palestine will one day be free of Zionists and occupation. Everyone does their part and mine is not done yet,” she wrote on his social media account.
He has 18.2 million followers on Instagram and around 1.1 million on Twitter.
Time said Azaiza reported from war-torn areas at great risk as more than 95 journalists have been killed by Israel in the besieged enclave since October 7, which has been the deadliest period for the press since 1992, when started the Committee to Protect Journalists. follow-up of fatalities. Dozens of other journalists have been injured or arrested by Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip.
The magazine said that since evacuating Gaza, the photojournalist has begun raising awareness of the Middle East crisis around the world.
He quoted the Palestinian journalist as saying: “What is happening in Gaza is not satisfactory to you. We're not telling you what's happening… because of your likes, views, or shares. No, we are waiting for you to act. We need to stop this war.”
A couple of weeks ago, Azaiza met with US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib in his office.
“We talked a lot about our struggles as Palestinians and his work in Congress. The Palestinians will continue to resist until we achieve our freedom. Everyone has their own battle! “We are making changes and people started to understand and be aware of what is really happening,” he wrote.
