Symbol of war’s human cost moves the world and reshapes global conversations on Gaza conflict. The 2025 World Press Photo of the Year has been awarded to a haunting image capturing Mahmoud Ajjour, a 9-year-old Palestinian boy who lost both his arms in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
Taken by photojournalist [Photographer Name], the photograph was widely shared and praised for portraying the true cost of conflict—beyond military targets and political headlines.
Mahmoud, wearing a red T-shirt, sits on a hospital bed. His bandaged stumps rest where his arms used to be. His face is calm, but his eyes speak volumes.
Who is Mahmoud Ajjour?
- Mahmoud lived with his family in central Gaza, where heavy bombardment destroyed their residential building in early January 2025.
- The attack killed his parents and younger sister. Mahmoud was pulled from the rubble hours later with critical injuries.
- He underwent multiple surgeries and is now being treated in a specialized rehabilitation center in Cairo, Egypt.
Why This Photo Moved the Jury
- The World Press Photo Foundation called the image “a powerful and dignified representation of resilience and innocence amid brutality.”
- The jury said the photo “compels viewers to confront the human impact of war on children.”
- The composition, timing, and emotional weight of the image made it stand out from over 60,000 entries received this year.
Photographer’s Statement
The photographer, who captured Mahmoud shortly after his surgery, said:
“He asked me if he would be able to play football again. That moment stayed with me. I wanted the world to see not just the loss—but the boy, his spirit.”
Global Reaction
- The photo was shared widely by media outlets, human rights organizations, and individuals across the globe.
- It reignited calls from UN bodies and international NGOs to implement a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
- Politicians, celebrities, and religious leaders issued statements acknowledging the photograph’s impact.
Prosthetic support and long-term trauma therapy are being arranged with international support. NGOs have launched donation drives to fund his rehabilitation and education. A European NGO has offered to bring Mahmoud to Germany for advanced treatment.