Palestinian Mahmoud Abu Hamda wins Bayeux war photography prize for Gaza reportage

BAYEUX, Oct 11 — Palestinian freelance photographer Mahmoud Abu Hamda triumphed in the photography category of the esteemed Bayeux award for war correspondents, showcasing his work from Gaza. The Washington Post, NPR, and CNN were the victors in the print, radio, and television categories, respectively, for their reports from Ukraine, Gaza, and the West Bank.

Apart from the top accolade, Hamda secured the Public’s Choice award for his photo series, "What War Leaves Behind." He was absent from the ceremony but delivered a video address, expressing his pride in his photographs transcending Gaza’s borders.

Hamda personally submitted his unpublished reportage to the Bayeux jury. The images depict life in Gaza and the struggles faced by its people following Israel's offensive three years ago, triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack. The Washington Post was honored for covering a Ukrainian soldier's ordeal of 177 days in combat, NPR's Anas Baba won the radio award for reporting on the recovery of bodies in Gaza, and CNN journalists claimed both the television prize and video image award for their piece on Israeli soldiers stationed with settlers in the West Bank.

Associated Press photographer Jehad Alshrafi received the Young Reporter photography prize for his series, "Endless War and Devastation in Gaza." One of Alshrafi's photos, depicting footballers playing amidst rubble in Gaza, sparked controversy in France and was initially removed from a sports photography festival before a court reinstated it. The Bayeux awards jury was presided over by veteran BBC war correspondent Lyse Doucet.