World Press Photo of the Year Awarded to Mohammed Salem for Gaza Depiction
AMSTERDAM — In a powerful and emotional moment captured by Reuters photographer Mohammed Salem, this year’s World Press Photo of the Year award was given for his depiction of loss in Gaza. The heart-wrenching photo shows a Palestinian woman, Inas Abu Maamar, holding the lifeless body of her young niece, Saly.
Taken on 17 October 2023 at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, the image showcases the devastating impact of an Israeli missile strike that claimed the lives of Saly, her mother, and sister.
Describing the photo as a poignant representation of the broader situation in Gaza, Salem, a Palestinian himself, captured the raw emotion and turmoil of the moment. “People were confused, running from one place to another, anxious to know the fate of their loved ones, and this woman caught my eye as she was holding the body of the little girl and refused to let go,” he shared.
The jury praised Salem’s winning image for its careful composition and respectful portrayal of unimaginable loss, both metaphorically and literally.
Not new to recognition for his work on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Salem received a World Press Photo award over a decade ago for another impactful depiction from Gaza.
Other Winners in Global Categories
Alongside Mohammed Salem’s win, other photographers were also recognized in different global categories. Lee-Ann Olwage from South Africa received the Photo Story of the Year award for her series “Valim-babena,” shedding light on the stigma surrounding dementia in Madagascar.
Venezuelan photographer Alejandro Cegarra won the Long-Term Project award for “The Two Walls,” focusing on Mexico’s changing immigration policies. Julia Kochetova of Ukraine was awarded the Open Format prize for her project “War Is Personal,” offering a personal perspective on the harsh realities of war.
Additionally, The Associated Press received accolades in various categories, including the Open Format award in the regional Africa category for the multimedia story “Adrift” by Renata Brito and Felipe Dana.
Recognizing Excellence in Photojournalism
World Press Photo, established in 1955 and based in the Netherlands, continues to honor exceptional work in the field of photojournalism. Each year, photographers from around the world capture powerful and impactful moments that shed light on important issues and stories that deserve recognition.
From the heart-wrenching scenes of conflict to the intimate portrayals of personal struggles, the winning images and projects serve as a reminder of the power of visual storytelling in amplifying voices and sparking conversations on global issues.
