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Samar Abu Elouf

Palestine

Out Of Gaza

Tells the stories of Palestinian wounded people who were injured in the recent war on Gaza, And those who receive treatment here in Qatar

How their lives changed, some of them had their lives turned upside down in a terrifying way after losing all their family members or even their limbs, some of them went blind and many of them were separated from their loved ones here in Qatar by the war after they went out to receive treatment.

Since I started the project, I have gone through very difficult and harsh moments. Some stories made me sleep for two days and I cry whenever I remember their narration of all the horror they went through. I do not know how they can continue their lives with all the terrifying details they lived. I always wonder how they sleep with all these painful memories? Is a hug enough to relieve this pain? How will they continue their lives?

Amputations. Disfiguration. Brain damage. Their injuries are life-changing.
Mahmoud Ajjour and Ruba Abu Jibba are among a relatively small number of badly wounded Gazans who have survived a war that has killed tens of thousands.
They are alive — even if some are not sure they still want to be.

Samar Abu Elouf is a Palestinian freelance photojournalist. An award-winning journalist, Abu Elouf covers events where she lives, including stories about gender, women’s and children’s lives, and the consequences of war. Since 2010, she has worked as a freelance photojournalist on assignment for Reuters, The New York Times, and other news outlets. Abu Elouf documented the 2018–2019 Gaza border protests, also known as the Great March of Return. She also worked with ZUMA Press to cover stories related to the COVID-19 pandemic for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and news agencies. In May 2021, on assignment for The New York Times, she covered the 11 days of fighting between Israel and Hamas that destroyed essential infrastructure and killed more than 230 people, including several of her own relatives. Most recently, Samar covered the 2023 Israeli bombardment of Gaza in the aftermath of Hamas' October 7th attacks for The New York Times. Her images, both intimate and shocking, convey both the anguish and dignity of her subjects.Palestinian photographer Samar Abu Elouf as the 10th annual recipient of its Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award and World Press Photo 2025 photo of the Year Award commissioned by The New York Times documenting the impact of war on women and children in October and November 2023. Previously based in Gaza City, Abu Elouf puts herself at the center of danger to chronicle how conflict, loss, and need affect people in her own community. Late last year, Abu Elouf was forced to evacuate her home after it was partially destroyed.

“The camera has made me a strong woman, and I will continue working and taking photos until my last breath.” said Abu Elouf

About Us

Chobi Mela, the first festival of photography in Asia, is one of the most exciting ventures that Drik and Pathshala has initiated. The first Chobi Mela – International Festival of Photography was held in December 2000 – January 2001. It is the most demographically inclusive photo festival in the world and is held every two years in Dhaka.