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3. Palestinian Photojournalist Motaz Azaiza Left Gaza for Qatar

Young photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, known for his coverage of the war in Gaza on the Palestinian side, left the enclave for Qatar on Tuesday, January 23.

In an Instagram post, Azaiza announced that he was leaving Gaza for Egypt. "This is the last time you'll see me in this heavy, smelly press vest," he said, referring to his bulletproof vest. Before adding that he had "decided to evacuate today... I hope I'll come back soon and help rebuild Gaza."

 

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Une publication partagée par Motaz Azaiza مُعْتَز عزايزة ⚡️ (@motaz_azaiza)

Motaz Azaiza, a 24-year-old Palestinian from Gaza, had drawn the attention of millions of people around the world to the conditions endured by the population of the enclave, trapped under Israeli bombs. At least fifteen members of his family were killed in an Israeli air strike on the Deir al-Balah camp at the start of the war on October 11, 2023.

Azaiza posted numerous unfiltered videos showing the victims of these bombardments. His Instagram account, where the young man is particularly active, boasts over 18.3 million followers, as well as around a million on X (formerly Twitter).

In addition to his work as a journalist, Azaiza has also worked for UNRWA.

After revealing his exit from the enclave, the young photojournalist filmed himself boarding a Qatari military plane at Egypt's El Arish international airport.