The World Press Photo of the Year for 2025 depicts Mahmoud Ajjour, a young Palestinian boy from Gaza who lost both of his arms in an Israeli strike while urging his family to flee. Photographer Samar Abu Elouf captured the haunting portrait, showing Mahmoud’s struggle to come to terms with his injuries. He was evacuated to Doha for treatment, where the photo was taken, becoming one of many children in Gaza to lose limbs in the conflict.
Since October 7, 2023, over 1,000 children in Gaza have had limbs amputated, with thousands more killed or left without parents. The healthcare system has been severely impacted by Israel’s offensive, leading to challenges in providing medical care for those in need. Talks for a permanent ceasefire have been fruitless, with renewed violence and blockades preventing aid from reaching Gaza. Despite the challenges, Mahmoud is adapting to life without arms, learning to use his feet for daily tasks and hoping to receive prosthetic limbs.
The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with widespread devastation and a lack of international intervention raising concerns for the well-being of children like Mahmoud. The impact of the conflict on civilians, especially children, is a growing humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
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