Palestinian Photographer Samar Abu Elouf Wins 2025 World Press Photo of the Year for Powerful Gaza Image
Samar Abu Elouf's Award-Winning Image of a Gaza Boy's Resilience Captures Global Attention in 2025 Photojournalism Contest
Palestinian Photographer Samar Abu Elouf Wins 2025 World Press Photo of the Year for Powerful Gaza Image
Samar Abu Elouf's Award-Winning Image of a Gaza Boy's Resilience Captures Global Attention in 2025 Photojournalism Contest
In a landmark achievement for photojournalism Palestinian photographer Samar Abu Elouf has been awarded the prestigious 2025 World Press Photo of the Year. Her striking photograph captures a powerful moment of human resilience and pain in the face of conflict. The image features nine year old Mahmoud Ajjour a Palestinian boy who lost both arms in an Israeli airstrike during the Gaza conflict in March 2024. The photograph published by The New York Times not only shows the physical devastation experienced by Mahmoud but also delves deep into the emotional toll of war. Mahmoud's heartbreaking story unfolded as he was caught in an explosion while fleeing with his family. The blast severed one of his arms and severely damaged the other. Amid the chaos Mahmoud turned to his mother asking her,
How will I be able to hug you? This poignant moment of vulnerability moved the World Press Photo jury, who recognized the emotional depth conveyed through Abu Elouf’s lens. The jury described the photograph as a quiet photo that speaks loudly an intimate portrayal of one child's suffering that symbolizes the broader consequences of war which will impact generations to come.
The 2025 World Press Photo contest drew over 59,000 submissions from photographers across 141 countries making Abu Elouf’s win a remarkable achievement. Lucy Conticello jury chair and Director of Photography for Le Monde's weekend magazine noted the photograph’s ability to offer a layered entry point into a complex story allowing viewers to engage with the broader context of the Gaza conflict while remaining focused on the individual human experience. Samar Abu Elouf’s work has garnered multiple accolades highlighting her dedication to capturing the stories of those impacted by conflict. In addition to the World Press Photo award she received the 2024 Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award from the International Women’s Media Foundation. Her portfolio Gaza Under Attack a collection of 12 images for The New York Times documents the resilience and suffering of Palestinians in Gaza amidst the ongoing airstrikes and military actions. Despite the hardships she faced including the destruction of her own home and personal health challenges Abu Elouf continued to document the devastating impact of war.
Abu Elouf’s courage in the face of danger was also recognized with the 2024 Robert Capa Gold Medal Award presented by the Overseas Press Club of America. This award acknowledges her outstanding reporting from the frontlines of the Gaza conflict where her photographs vividly captured the anguish and resilience of the Palestinian people. Through her lens Abu Elouf has shown the human side of the war focusing on the emotional and personal stories of those affected by violence and loss. Beyond her role as a photographer Abu Elouf has become an influential figure in the media landscape of Gaza breaking gender norms and paving the way for future generations of women journalists. Her work continues to challenge the stereotypes surrounding Palestinian life and war offering a rare and authentic glimpse into the lives of ordinary people living in extraordinary circumstances.
Abu Elouf’s recognition in the 2025 World Press Photo contest underscores the power of photojournalism to communicate complex human stories that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through her images she gives a voice to the voiceless ensuring that the stories of individuals like Mahmoud Ajjour are heard and remembered by the global community. As the world continues to navigate the harsh realities of war photojournalists like Samar Abu Elouf play an indispensable role in preserving the human dimension of conflict. Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy resilience and the need for ongoing dialogue in the face of violence and suffering.
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awesome to read this
Very interesting article and well written