His reporting often consisted of raw, unfiltered video of the civilian impact of Israeli airstrikes.
Photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, who documented the impact of the war in the Gaza Strip, left the enclave and headed to Qatar.
Azaiza announced on Instagram on Tuesday that he was leaving the besieged strip before boarding a Qatari military plane at Egypt’s El Arish International Airport. However, it is unclear how he was able to leave Gaza or why he evacuated.
“This is the last time you will see me in this heavy, smelly (press) vest. I decided to evacuate today. … I hope I can go back soon and help rebuild Gaza,” Azaiza said in a video.
SO,
I had to evacuate for many reasons, you all know some of them but not all of them.
Thank you all
Pray for Gaza. pic.twitter.com/sIqULe9d5V
-MoTaz (@azaizamotaz9) January 23, 2024
The 24-year-old Palestinian captured the attention of millions around the world as he filmed himself in a press jacket and helmet to document conditions in Israel’s war, which has killed more than 25,000 people in Gaza .
Israel launched its offensive after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,139 people and capturing more than 200.
Media coverage of Azaiza often took the form of raw, unfiltered videos of injured children or families crushed under rubble following Israeli airstrikes.
He said he had to “evacuate for many reasons, you all know some of them, but not all of them.”
In his post, he was seen on video about to board a gray plane emblazoned with the words “Qatar Emiri Air Force.”
“First video outside of Gaza,” he said in one clip, revealing it was his first time on a plane. “On the way to Qatar.”
He also shared a video from inside the plane as it landed in Doha.
Since the start of the war, the photojournalist has amassed millions of followers across multiple platforms.
His number of followers on Instagram has increased from around 27,500 to 18.25 million in more than 100 days since October 7, according to an assessment of social media analytics by Tel Aviv Tribune.
His Facebook account grew from a similar starting point to almost 500,000 followers. He now has a million followers on X, formerly known as Twitter.
In addition to her social media posts, Azaiza has produced content for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNWRA).
Social media users thanked Azaiza for his coverage of the war, with many hailing him as a hero.
“Thank you for everything you have done, you have moved mountains, what you have done in the last 100 days that people cannot do in their entire life. You were instrumental in showing the world Israeli atrocities in Gaza. I wish you good luck and safety,” said one user on X.
Thank you for everything you have done, you have moved mountains, what you have done in the last 100 days, people can’t do it in their entire life. You were instrumental in showing the world Israeli atrocities in Gaza. I wish you good luck and safety ✊🏻🇵🇸
– Abla #FreePalestine (@falstinya1948) January 23, 2024
“I’m so glad you had the opportunity to come out, God willing YOU WILL RETURN TO A FREE PALESTINE,” wrote another.
“We love you so deeply,” wrote American musician Kehlani, adding: “Thank you for your humanity.”
“Frame that vest.” This is the armor of one of the greatest heroes in history,” said comedian Sammy Obeid.
