When Alfred Nobel, the inventor, entrepreneur, and businessman, passed away, his will stipulated that his fortune should be used to honor “those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.” Thus, the Nobel Prize was established to recognize exceptional contributions in the fields Nobel held dear: physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace.
This week, Palestinian journalist Moaztaz Azaiza has been nominated for the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize by Norwegian parliament member Ingvild Wetrhus Thorsvik. Azaiza shared the news on X, expressing his gratitude to Thorsvik and stating, “I have been nominated for the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for giving the world an insight into the atrocities in Gaza. Wish me luck, and I hope my people will get peace NOW. Free Palestine.”
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
Moaztaz Azaiza, a photojournalist widely recognized for his courageous live updates from the Gaza Strip, has provided the world with an unflinching lens into the war crimes committed by occupying forces. On Oct. 12, Azaiza tragically lost 15 members of his own family to an Israeli airstrike, yet he continued his mission, offering real-time insight into the ongoing atrocities.
For 108 harrowing days, the photojournalist risked his life in Gaza, telling the story of the war to millions of followers on Instagram, even as friends and family members were killed around him. Though he left the Strip in March, his pursuit of justice continues outside the occupied territory. He has been hailed by many around the world as the eyes and ears of Gaza, capturing raw, unfiltered glimpses into the horrors of war—attention that was both unintended and unexpected.
Azaiza’s journey as a photographer began in a much different context. From the very beginning, Azaiza seemed driven by a desire to share his vision of a beautiful world. But as the conflict in Gaza unfolded, his Instagram stories transformed into a relentless stream of devastation and suffering—images that he felt powerless to prevent and unable to escape.
We couldn’t think of a better person for this prize to be given.
