The 2025 World Press Photo of the Year honors a Arab boy, age 9, who lost both hands during an Israeli attack.
Mahmoud Ajjour, who was seriously injured in Gaza City last year, is now living in Doha, according to Samar Abu Elouf’s photo for The New York Times. One finger was severely damaged in the explosion, and the other had to be amputated because it was so seriously damaged.
Elouf, who is also from Gaza, said that when Mahmoud realized his arms were missing, he said,” How will I be able to hug you?”
This is a peaceful image that has loud words. Joumana El Zein Khoury, executive director of World Press Photo, said it tells the story of one child but also of a larger conflict that may affect years.
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The jury described the portrait as” solid content and attention to detail,” claiming that it exemplifies the long-term effects of war on both the pain of one boy and the anguish of another. They praised its texture, light, and emotional level.
Mahmoud is now using his legs to create, play sports, and open doors. His wish is straightforward, according to the organizers. He wants to wear prostheses and lead a normal life like a baby.
Musuk Nolte’s image of the Amazon experiencing drought, and John Moore’s image of a Taiwanese immigrant crossing the border, who took the picture of them both, were named runners-up.
The judge chose 42 of the over 59, 000 comments made by videographers from around the world.
