Photo: ABED RAHIM KHATIB / AFP / Profimedia
The portrait of a Palestinian boy who lost both of his arms in an Israeli air attack on the Gaza strip was appointed press photography of the year, reports CNN. The author of the photograph is also of Palestinian origin.
“One of the most painful things that Mahmoud's mother told me was that when Mahmoud realized for the first time that his arms were amputated, the first thing he said was:” How can I hug you? “, Wrote Abu Elouf in the notes that accompanied the photo.
Samar Abu Elouf, the author of the photograph, told that he knew the nine -year -old boy after three months after one explosion cut off a arm and seriously mutilate the other. Mahmoud Ajour, the boy in the photo, was evacuated with his family in Qatar, to receive medical treatment.
“This is a quiet photo that speaks strongly. Tell the story of a boy, but also a larger war, which will have an impact on several generations,” said Joumana El Zein Khory, executive director of the World Press Photo, in a press release.
The jury has noticed three central themes in this year's works – conflict, migration and climate change – said Lucy Calticello, photography director at the “M” magazine of Le Monde and a member of the jury. “Another way to look at them is that stories about resilience, family and community,” she added.
The contrast in the winning photo – light and darkness, beauty and pain – drew the attention of the jurors, said Cajicello.
The winning photo was selected from almost 60,000 images recorded by 3,778 photographers from over 140 countries.
