In April 2025, Palestinian photojournalist Samar Abu Elouf received the prestigious World Press Photo of the Year award for her poignant image of nine-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour, a Palestinian boy who lost both arms in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
This photograph, taken in Doha, Qatar, where Mahmoud was receiving medical treatment, not only captures the physical and emotional toll of conflict but also underscores Abu Elouf’s commitment to documenting the human impact of war.
A Life Dedicated to Documenting Conflict
Born and raised in Gaza City, Samar Abu Elouf has been a freelance photojournalist since 2010, working with prominent outlets such as The New York Times and Reuters. Her work focuses on the lives of women and children, gender issues, and the consequences of war.
Abu Elouf has covered significant events, including the 2018–2019 Gaza border protests, known as the Great March of Return, and the 11-day conflict in May 2021 between Israel and Hamas, during which she lost several relatives and her home was partially destroyed. Despite these personal losses, she continued to document the devastation and resilience of her community.
In late 2023, amid escalating violence, Abu Elouf was forced to evacuate Gaza. She relocated to Doha, Qatar, where she continued her work, capturing the stories of Palestinians who had also fled the conflict.
It was here that she met Mahmoud Ajjour, who had been evacuated for medical treatment after losing his arms in an airstrike. Her photograph of Mahmoud, depicting his strength and determination, resonated globally and earned her the World Press Photo of the Year award.
Recognition and Awards
Abu Elouf’s dedication to photojournalism has been recognized with several prestigious awards. In 2024, she received the Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award from the International Women’s Media Foundation, honoring her courageous reporting from Gaza during October and November 2023.
The #WPPh2025 Photo of the Year is ‘Mahmoud Ajjour, Aged Nine’ by @samarabuelouf, for @nytimes. The jury was moved by this portrait of a Palestinian boy which speaks to the devastating long-term costs of war on civilians. Read more: https://t.co/KHmkUjt2Rj pic.twitter.com/QP3lqEBWaR
— World Press Photo (@WorldPressPhoto) April 17, 2025
Additionally, she was awarded the Robert Capa Gold Medal by the Overseas Press Club for her exceptional photographic reporting from conflict zones. These accolades highlight her commitment to shedding light on the human stories behind the headlines.
Capturing the Human Cost of Conflict
Abu Elouf’s work is characterized by its intimate portrayal of individuals affected by war. Her photographs convey both the anguish and dignity of her subjects, offering a window into the daily realities of those living in conflict zones. Through her lens, she brings attention to the resilience of communities facing unimaginable hardships.
Her image of Mahmoud Ajjour is emblematic of this approach. Rather than depicting him solely as a victim, the photograph captures his determination and adaptability, learning to use his feet for daily tasks. This narrative challenges viewers to see beyond the statistics and recognize the individual stories of perseverance and hope.
Abu Elouf continues to document the experiences of displaced Palestinians, ensuring that their stories are heard and remembered. Her work serves as a testament to the power of photojournalism in fostering empathy and understanding across borders.
Through her unwavering commitment to capturing the human side of conflict, Samar Abu Elouf has not only earned international recognition but has also provided a vital record of resilience and humanity amid adversity.