Palestinian photographer Motaz Azaiza has achieved yet another milestone, being featured by the Times Magazine in the 100 most influential people in the world list.
Times included Motaz in the ‘Icons’ category in the 100 most influential people of 2024.
The magazine describes Motaz as “The world’s eyes and ears in his native Gaza for 108 days. Armed with a camera and a flak jacket marked ‘PRESS.’”
It furthered, “The 25-year-old Palestinian photographer spent nearly four months documenting life under Israeli bombardment: families displaced from homes, women mourning loved ones, a man trapped beneath the rubble.”
The magazine wrote, “His images offered a glimpse into Gaza that few in the international press—which has been all but barred from accessing the Strip—could rival. He did so at great risk; at least 95 journalists have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7.”
Motaz took to X (formerly Twitter) to acknowledge the announcement.
He wrote in a post, “I am really blessed to share my country name with me wherever I go or whatever I achieve.”
As per Times, after evacuating from Gaza in January, the photographer's role has shifted to raising awareness of the crises and calling for international intervention.
Motaz Azaiza expressed, “What is happening in Gaza is not content for you. We are not telling you what is happening ... to your likes, views, or shares. No, we are waiting for you to act. We need to stop this war.”
