The 2025 World Press Photo of the Year showcases a haunting image of Mahmoud Ajjour, a nine-year-old Palestinian boy who lost his arms during an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Taken by Samar Abu Elouf, the photograph reflects not only Mahmoud's personal tragedy but also the grim realities of war that affect countless lives. Mahmoud's struggle for normalcy — learning to use his feet for daily tasks — underscores the long-term impacts of violence on children. The jury praised the photo's composition and its ability to provoke deep questions about humanity and the ongoing conflict, shedding light on the plight of both civilians and journalists in the region.
One of the most difficult things Mahmoud's mother explained to me was how when Mahmoud first came to the realisation that his arms were amputated, the first sentence he said to her was, 'How will I be able to hug you'?
This is a quiet photo that speaks loudly. It tells the story of one boy, but also of a wider war that will have an impact for generations.
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