Palestinian journalist Motaz Aziaza beats Joe Biden on Instagram with 17.3m followers

Palestinian journalist Motaz Azaiza, known for his heroic coverage of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, has surpassed the President of the United States Joe Biden in terms of followers on Instagram. 

The journalist announced this on his Instagram story in which he showed his following compared to the US President. In the story, it can be seen that Azaiza has gathered a following of over 17.3 million people on the Meta-owned platform, while Biden has a following of 17.2 million. 

Recognised as GQ Middle East's "Man of the Year" for his coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, a Palestinian photographer, grappling with high unemployment rates in Gaza, struggled to find inspiration post-graduation. 

Despite the challenges, his passion for photography led him to create an Instagram account, primarily featuring images portraying daily life in Gaza. Gradually gaining popularity, his work faced constant threats due to the prevailing violence in the region.

Undeterred, he expressed, "No one is safe, nowhere is safe, and fear is everywhere. Either I stay at home or I go outside. Why should I stay at home? I have to stand up and show the world the truth through the camera lens," while documenting Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

This photographer, named Motaz, not only showcases the reality of Gaza through his lens but also serves as a global ambassador for Palestinian resilience. 

His determination has intensified, emphasising the urgency of making the world aware of the imminent Palestinian plight amid actions by Israel.