Palestinian Photographer Motaz Azaiza Nominated for 2024 Nobel Peace Prize

Motaz Azaiza

Palestinian photographer Motaz Azaiza has been nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, an honor he proudly announced on Friday through his social media platforms. The 25-year-old shared the news with his followers, posting a screenshot that displayed his name among the qualified nominees. Azaiza noted that his nomination was for "giving the world an insight into the atrocities in Gaza." He also appealed to his followers for their support during this significant moment.

Azaiza has garnered widespread recognition for his powerful and poignant documentation of life in Gaza. Initially, his work focused on showcasing the beauty of his homeland, its rich traditions, and the everyday lives of Palestinians. However, following the events of October 7, 2023, Azaiza shifted his focus to capturing the harsh realities of the Israeli attacks on Gaza and the devastating impact on its people. His videos, often shared in English, have become a vital source of information for millions seeking to understand the true situation in Gaza.

I have been nominated for 2024 Nobel Peace prize "for giving the world an insight into the atrocities in gaza."

wish me luck and i hope my people to get Peace NOW.

Free Palestine ????

— MoTaz (@azaizamotaz9) August 23, 2024

Azaiza’s social media presence has grown exponentially, with 17.8 million followers on Instagram, one million on X, and over 500,000 on Facebook. His accounts have become a critical platform for those looking to stay informed about the ongoing conflict.

Born in Deir al-Balah in the Gaza Strip, Azaiza graduated from Al-Azhar University in 2021. He later worked as a cameraman for ABC News and volunteered with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Additionally, he was employed by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to document events in Gaza.

Tragically, Azaiza’s personal life has been deeply affected by the conflict. In October 2023, 15 members of his family were killed in an airstrike conducted by the Israeli Air Force on his family’s home in the Deir al-Balah refugee camp in Gaza City. The devastating loss underscores the perilous conditions faced by many in the region.

The Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) reports that in recent days, approximately 100,000 Palestinians have been displaced from Azaiza’s hometown, eastern Deir al-Balah, due to ongoing intense Israeli airstrikes on the city and its surroundings.

As Azaiza’s work continues to draw international attention, his Nobel Peace Prize nomination highlights the critical role that photography and social media play in bringing global awareness to the human impact of conflict.