In a topsy-turvy year riddled with pervasive uncertainty and conflict, one extraordinary individual has emerged as a powerful force for truth and courage: Motaz Azaiza, a dedicated Palestinian journalist.
Azaiza, often dubbed “The Eye of Gaza”, is a resolute Palestinian journalist negotiating the complexities of his homeland facing the worst of the worst atrocities by Israel, the illegal jingoistic Zionist state, as it safely clings on the sin-laden shoulder of the mighty US like a rabid hostile monkey mocking all the international war crime tribunals.
Israel dumped 18,000 tonnes of bombs on Gaza since October 7, which is about 1.5x the explosive force of thermonuclear devices that hit Hiroshima, Japan, in World War II. A living beautiful city was turned into a rubble morgue, snuffing out thousands of innocent lives in the most horrendous of ways ever.
Someone had to show the world what the West and the US did not want anyone to see. Someone had to stick their neck out, go out on a limb, and dare to stare down the barrel of a tank to deliver the truth and Azaiza is one of the many living and martyred journalists in Palestine who just did that.
Weaponising his ironclad determination and a sharpshooting lens with a true aim, Azaiza intrepidly records the barbarous realities of life in Gaza, thrusting the struggles of his people onto the global stage.
Originating from the Deir al-Balah refugee camp in 1999, Azaiza embarked on his photographic journey, capturing the daily tribulations of Gazans tied in the ever-oppressive shackles of occupation.
His lens expanded to chronicle the horrors of Israel’s wars in 2014 and 2021, delivering a brave portrayal of the profound human tragedy and toll exacted by the insufferable conflict that is a manifestation of evil powers.
In the lead-up to October, Motaz Azaiza’s Instagram following was modest, with only a few thousand followers. Now, Azaiza’s Instagram account, which is religiously followed by a staggering 16 million people from all over the world, has transformed him into a formidable voice for the voiceless.
Fast forward, and through the captivating lens he consistently shares with the world, Azaiza has garnered a massive audience in the millions, tuning in to witness and join in prayer with every captivating moment he captures. His lens not only captures images but has seized our hearts, inspiring collective courage in the face of adversity.
Through evocative snapshots, he documents the indomitable resilience, deep suffering, and enduring hope that define the Palestinian experience. Beyond mere imagery, his work ignites global conversations, audaciously challenging prevailing norms and sparking debates about injustice.
However, Azaiza’s impact transcends the digital divide. His photographic narrative has graced the prestigious pages of international publications, thrusting Gaza’s stark reality into broader public consciousness. Azaiza steps into the spotlight at conferences and events, sharing firsthand experiences and fervently advocating for peace and human rights.
Azaiza’s commitment to truth and justice stands as an unwavering testament. Confronting a barrage of threats — from harassment to detention and physical attacks — he remains resolute in his mission to document the injustices faced by his people.
In recent weeks, this Palestinian photojournalist has transcended into a global icon—a symbol of resilience and a beacon of hope, not just for the people of Gaza but for all of humanity. Azaiza’s digital activism exemplifies the potent force of visual storytelling, reminding us that bravery takes diverse forms, sometimes a conscious choice, and other times thrust upon us, as in Azaiza’s case, where choice was a luxury he couldn’t afford.
Motaz Azaiza’s journey merits the title of Person of the Year, dedicated not only to him but also to those whose fearlessness remains unmatched— names like Plestia Alaqad, Hind Khoudary, Wael Al-Dahdouh, Issam Abdallah, Shireen Abu Akleh, and countless others, known and unknown.
Yet, as Israel’s relentless military campaign unfolds, aiming to eradicate Hamas from the Strip, now stretching into its third month, Azaiza sounds a cautionary note. The ground invasion penetrating further south, where millions seek shelter, casts a shadow on the future of his work.
Azaiza, in a recent statement to his followers, acknowledges the shift from risking his life to document the unfolding events to the grim reality of simply trying to survive: “The phase of risking your life to show what is happening is now over, and the phase of trying to survive has started.”
As the pages of 2023 turn, Azaiza transcends the role of a mere journalist; he morphs into a symbol of hope and resistance. His journey serves as a compelling testament to the transformative power of journalism, spotlighting its capacity to raise awareness, instigate change, and hold those in power accountable.
For his extraordinary bravery, unswerving dedication to truth, and steadfast commitment to his people, Motaz Azaiza undeniably earns the well-deserved title of Person of the Year.
Person of the Year 2023
Unpacking the pivotal reasons underscoring Azaiza’s worthiness for this accolade:
Courage in documenting truth
Azaiza repeatedly risks life and limb to expose the harsh realities of life in Gaza, confronting constant threats and intimidation with indomitable resolve.
Commitment to social justice
Leveraging his influential platform, Azaiza vocally critiques Israel’s occupation of Palestine, using his voice to denounce the manifold injustices faced by his people.
Global impact
Azaiza’s work transcends geographic boundaries, resonating with individuals worldwide. He plays a pivotal role in reshaping the narrative surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, compelling the world to confront the stark realities endured by Palestinians.
Unwavering hope
Despite witnessing profound hardships, Azaiza clings to hope for a better future. Through his work, he believes in effecting change and contributing to the creation of a more just world.
Motaz Azaiza is not merely a journalist; he emerges as a reliable inspiration. In the darkest of hours, he stands as a brightly-lit beacon of hope, a powerful reminder that those who persist in the fight for what is right are real human beings and worthy of being called persons of the year.
His compelling narrative anchors the Palestinian men, women, and children who are being ground between the millstones of a multi-sided war and inspires the global community by cutting through the piles of propaganda with his razor-sharp graphic voice.
While making a passionate appeal to the world to raise their voice against the mass murder of his fellowpersons, Azaiza, in his latest call to action reminded the world it had been 66 and not 63 days since the genocide of helpless Palestinians started at the hands of a vicious military power.
“It’s 66 days, not 63. Anyway, I am asking all the humans around the world, even animals to go and protest to stop the killing of us. It’s simple, Stop Killing US !!! Stop the Genocide. No more words are needed. Ceasefire now!,” Azaiza wrote in the description of his video post on X.
Epilogue
We’d like to conclude this tribute to Motaz Azaiza and the martyrs of Gaza with Mary Elizabeth Frye’s epic poem “Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep”.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Raheel Amer is a staffar at Geo.tv. He tweets at @RaheelAmer.
