Motaz Azaiza Nominated for 2024 Nobel Peace Prize

Palestinian photographer Motaz Azaiza, famed for his raw depictions of life in Gaza, announced on Friday that he has been nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize.

The 25-year-old has gained global recognition for his videos and photographs, which offer an unfiltered view of the conditions in Gaza, especially in the wake of escalating violence.

Azaiza shared the news of his nomination on social media, expressing his hope for peace in his homeland. "I have been nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize ‘for giving the world an insight into the atrocities in Gaza.’ Wish me luck and I hope my people get peace NOW. Free Palestine," he wrote.

Originally, Azaiza’s work focused on showcasing the beauty, culture, and daily life of Palestinians. However, following the events of October 7, 2023, he shifted his lens to document the devastating impact of Israeli attacks on Gaza. His social media presence has since become a vital source of real-time updates for millions around the world. Azaiza’s accounts boast 17.8 million followers on Instagram, one million on X, and over 500,000 on Facebook.

Born in Deir Al Balah in the Gaza Strip, Azaiza graduated from Al Azhar University in 2021. His career includes work as a cameraman for ABC News and volunteer efforts with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. He has also been employed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to document events in Gaza.

Tragically, Azaiza’s personal life has been marked by the conflict he documents. In October 2023, 15 members of his family were killed in an airstrike by the Israeli Air Force on his family’s home in Deir Al Balah. The Palestinian News Agency reports that approximately 100,000 Palestinians have been displaced from eastern Deir Al Balah in the past two days due to ongoing intense airstrikes.

Azaiza's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize underscores the global importance of his work, capturing the harsh realities of life in Gaza and advocating for peace in a region long plagued by conflict.

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