Reuters' Mohammed Salem wins 2024 World Press Photo of the Year award

Mohammed Salem

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Reuters photographer Mohammed Salem's poignant image capturing the heart-wrenching moment of a Palestinian woman cradling her five-year-old niece's lifeless body has been awarded the prestigious 2024 World Press Photo of the Year. The haunting photograph, taken at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, portrays the profound human impact of the ongoing conflict in the region.

The image, captured on October 17, 2023, amidst the chaos of Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, depicts Inas Abu Maamar in inconsolable grief as she holds Saly's lifeless form, wrapped in a white sheet, in the hospital morgue. Mohammed Salem, a Palestinian photojournalist working with Reuters since 2003, humbly received the accolade, expressing a desire for the world to acknowledge the devastating toll of war, particularly on innocent children like Saly.

In an era where conflicts often dominate headlines, the World Press Photo Foundation recognized Salem's image as a powerful reminder of the risks journalists face in documenting such crises. The foundation highlighted the staggering number of journalists and media personnel who lost their lives covering the Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the human cost of war.

Salem's photograph, described by the jury as both metaphorical and literal in its portrayal of unimaginable loss, captured the attention of viewers worldwide with its raw emotion and stark depiction of tragedy. Despite the turmoil in the region, Salem's lens focused on the individual stories of those affected, amplifying their voices amidst the chaos of conflict.

The award-winning image serves as a testament to the resilience of photojournalism in shedding light on the realities of war. Salem's dedication to his craft, even amid personal milestones like the birth of his own child, underscores the profound impact of bearing witness to human suffering and resilience.

In addition to Salem's recognition, other photographers were honored for their powerful storytelling through imagery. GEO photographer Lee-Ann Olwage's exploration of dementia in Madagascar, Alejandro Cegarra's documentation of "The Two Walls" for The New York Times/Bloomberg, and Ukrainian photographer Julia Kochetova's multimedia project "War is Personal" were among the notable winners in different categories.

As the world grapples with ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, the power of visual storytelling remains unparalleled in capturing the essence of human experiences amidst adversity. Salem's award-winning photograph stands as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of war on individuals and communities, urging viewers to confront the harsh realities of conflict and advocate for peace and justice.