The World Press Photo of the Year for 2025 depicts Mahmoud Ajjour, a young Palestinian boy from Gaza who lost both arms in an Israeli strike while fleeing with his family during an attack. The haunting image captured by Samar Abu Elouf shows Mahmoud after one arm was completely severed, and the other had to be amputated due to severe injuries. Mahmoud’s emotional response upon realizing he couldn’t hug his mother highlights the devastating impact of the war on children in Gaza. Hundreds of children have lost limbs in the conflict, with over 1,000 having suffered amputations since the military campaign began in 2023. The healthcare system in Gaza has been severely impacted by the ongoing violence, with many children undergoing operations without anesthesia. Despite efforts to secure a ceasefire and release hostages, the conflict continues to escalate, with Israeli forces launching airstrikes and resuming ground operations. Mahmoud is now learning to adapt to life without arms, requiring assistance for daily activities and hoping to receive prosthetic limbs in the future. The ongoing devastation in Gaza and the suffering of its children highlight the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict and international support for those affected by the violence.
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