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Motaz Hilal Azaiza

Courageously documents Gaza's reality through photography, under perilous conditions.

QUICK FACTS

Date of Birth

1999

Deir al-Balah Refugee Camp, Gaza, Palestine

Place of Birth

Why Featured?

Azaiza's dedication to revealing the hardships and resilience of Palestinians in Gaza through his photography, despite significant personal risk and losses, has made him a symbol of strength and an agent of change. His work has garnered international attention, highlighting the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its impact on ordinary lives.

BRIEF BIO
Motaz Azaiza is a Palestinian photojournalist, photographer, and filmmaker based in Gaza. He graduated from Al-Azhar University of Gaza with a degree in English Language and Literature. Azaiza has been pivotal in capturing the human aspects of life in Gaza, initially focusing on everyday scenes but later documenting the harsh realities of conflict. His work, often shared on Instagram, has attracted a global following, making him a significant voice in bringing the Palestinian struggle to the world stage.
LAST UPDATED

DATE

Monday, January 26, 2026

MAJOR MILESTONES
Key dates & turning points
  • Born and raised in Deir al-Balah Refugee Camp, Gaza.

  • Graduated from Al-Azhar University of Gaza in 2021.

  • Started an Instagram page to share photography of Gaza life, gaining significant traction and followers.

  • Documented Israel's aggressions in 2014 and 2021, offering a humane perspective on the Palestinian plight.

  • Experienced personal loss with 15 family members killed in the Israeli occupation airstrike.

CONTRIBUTIONS
What they did, and why it matters
  • Capturing and sharing the daily life and struggles of people in Gaza, especially during conflicts...See More

  • Gaining over 13 million followers on Instagram, bringing global attention to the situation in Gaza...See More

  • Working as a photographer for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees...See More

  • Being recognized as GQ Middle East's Man of the Year for his courageous work and impact...See More

  • Filming the aftermath of an Israeli attack on his family home, a poignant documentation of personal and collective loss...See More

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Last updated
Jan 26, 2026

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