RAMALLAH, Tuesday, April 23, 2024 (WAFA) – Prominent Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, who has been documenting the Israeli crimes in the Gaza Strip since October 7th, was chosen by TIME Magazine to be included among the 100 most influential people in the world list.
The 25-year-old was recognized by the magainze in the 2024 ‘Icons’ category.
TIME described Azaiza as "the world’s eyes and ears in his native Gaza. Armed with a camera and a flak jacket marked “PRESS."
"The 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. 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," TIME said.
"Since evacuating Gaza in January, Azaiza’s role has shifted to raising awareness of the crisis—and to calling for international intervention. “What is happening in Gaza is not content for you,” he said. “We are not telling you what is happening ... for your likes or views or shares. No, we are waiting for you to act. We need to stop this war," the magazine continued.
Azaiza took to X to express his joy to be featured on the American news magazine.
"I am really blessed to share my country name with me wherever I go or whatever I achieve," Azaiza said. "For those who don’t recognize Palestine as a state, or for those who claim that it is their land. Palestine gonna be free one day from Zionists and occupation. Everyone does his part, and my part is not done yet."
K.T
