- Motaz Azaiza, a Palestinian photojournalist and survivor of genocide, announced his departure from the besieged Gaza enclave in a poignant video shared on Instagram.
- Azaiza’s decision to leave after witnessing 107 days of the brutal ethnic cleansing of his own people, highlights the perilous realities and danger faced by Palestinian journalists everyday.
Last week, in a poignant video posted on Instagram, Motaz Azaiza, a 24-year-old Palestinian photojournalist and remarkably resilient survivor of genocide, announced to his vast audience of 18.5 million Instagram followers the pivotal decision to depart the besieged Gaza enclave. After enduring 107 harrowing days marked by relentless cycles of killing, brutality, devastation, and anguish, he courageously connected with those who had been on this journey with him, many from the very beginning
In the video, Motaz is depicted removing his press jacket, aided by supportive loved ones. Beneath the post, he expressed, “So, I had to evacuate for a lot of reasons you all know some of it but not all of it. Thank you all Pray for Gaza.” Notably, by the end of 2023, The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) asserted that 94 journalists had been killed and almost 400 others had been imprisoned.
Those who have kept abreast of Motaz’s journey on social media have been praying for his safety throughout these past 107 days. Through his lens, we have borne witness to the ongoing atrocities unfolding in Gaza, each image and video, a testament to the reality on the ground. Moreover, the gallant, photo journalist has taken us through his own personal journey, sharing the devastating loss of so many of his loved ones, as well as the impact that being surrounded by death and destruction has had on his own mental health
The on-the-ground journalism emanating from Gaza has represented a ground-breaking paradigm shift, essentially debunking the fabrications and manipulation perpetuated by the distorted mainstream media.
Pictured: Motaz Intagram post showcases the picture which he won an award for last year. He asserts how he wished it was a picture of the beauty of Gaza and not a painful picture.
Debra Messing shamelessly mocks Motaz
Upon the announcement of his departure, Debra Messing, a Jewish-American actress and Israeli propagandist, from the comfort of her own home in the United States, shamelessly mocked Motaz for leaving Gaza. Gaza continues to be battered and currently has a death toll of 26,000 according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Motaz replied with one word, ‘Who?’
Motaz currently resides in Qatar. In a sit down interview with Al Jazeera, he was asked by the journalist whether he was able to process everything that had happened, he replied with, “No, no human can.”
If anyone feels disheartened by the state of our Ummah because of corrupt politicians and leaders, there is undoubted hope in droves. Motaz stands as a radiant symbol of bravery, masculinity, and courage. He has fearlessly risked his life to serve the Ummah and illuminate the truth in Gaza, Alhumdulillah! Allah employs and guides His warriors to serve justice and the advancement of Islam.
We at S2J news salute brother Motaz and wish for his continued safety. May Allah swt free all of our Palestinian brothers and sisters from the hands of the oppressors…Ameen!
