Photographer Mohammad Salem won the ‘World Press Photo of the Year’ award for the year 2024.

Mohammad Salem Wins World Press Photo of the Year 2024

About the Award-Winning Photograph

The World Press Photo of the Year 2024 award was given to Mohammad Salem, a 39-year-old Palestinian photographer. His poignant photograph captures Inas Abu Mammar, a 36-year-old Palestinian woman, embracing the body of her 5-year-old niece Sally, who was killed in an Israeli strike on October 17, 2023. This heart-wrenching moment was taken at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, located in the southern Gaza Strip.

Salem's photograph reflects the harsh realities faced by civilians caught in conflict zones and serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war. The emotional depth and tragic context of the image resonated with the judges, earning him this prestigious award.

Photographer Mohammad Salem won the ‘World Press Photo of the Year’ award for the year 2024.

Mohammad Salem's Background and Achievements

Mohammad Salem has worked with Reuters since 2003 and is known for his compelling coverage of conflict and its impact on civilians. He previously won an award in the 2010 World Press Photo Contest. His dedication to photojournalism and his ability to capture powerful moments have made him a respected figure in the industry.

World Press Photo's Statement on the Award

The World Press Photo Foundation, based in Amsterdam, emphasized the importance of recognizing the dangers faced by journalists who cover conflicts. In announcing its annual awards, the foundation highlighted that 99 journalists and media workers have been killed while covering the war between Israel and Hamas since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023.

The jury selected the winning photographs from a pool of 61,062 entries submitted by 3,851 photographers from 130 countries. This broad representation underscores the global significance of the competition and the vital role photojournalism plays in documenting world events.

Other Winners at the 2024 World Press Photo Awards

In addition to Mohammad Salem's award-winning photograph, the 2024 World Press Photo Awards recognized several other notable entries:

• Story of the Year: This award went to Lee-Ann Olvez, a South African GEO photographer, for her documentary depicting the impact of dementia in Madagascar.
• Long-Term Projects Category: Venezuelan photographer Alejandro Segarra won this category for his series "The Two Walls."
• Open Format Award: This award was given to Ukrainian photographer Julia Kochetova for her project "War is Personal."

These winning entries showcase a range of themes and highlight the importance of storytelling through photography, whether it's documenting personal struggles or broader social issues.

Conclusion

The World Press Photo of the Year 2024 award to Mohammad Salem is a recognition of his powerful storytelling through imagery. His photograph captures a tragic moment, reminding the world of the profound impact of conflict on families and communities. The broader context of the awards reflects the resilience and bravery of photojournalists who risk their lives to bring these stories to the public eye.