The Daily Populous Saturday April 19th, 2025 morning edition
Image from preview.redd.it and submitted by Slinkoy

Slinkoy on April 18th, 2025 at 19:35 UTC »

Context: Palestinian child Mahmoud Ajjour, who was severely wounded in an Israeli drone attack on Gaza last year, and who was pictured in an image that won the 2025 World Press Photo of the Year award, says he has been struggling to adapt to life since losing both his arms in the explosion.

At first, Ajjour, who hails from Gaza City’s old town, said he did not realise he was wounded.

Still unaware that he had sustained serious wounds – wounds that mutilated his entire body – Ajjour said he looked around and saw his arms. Although they looked familiar, his brain still could not comprehend that they had been blown off.

His mental health deteriorated further when he, like many others in Gaza, had to undergo surgery without anaesthetics due to a severe lack of medical supplies. Throughout the war, Israeli forces have largely kept vital border crossings shut, preventing the entry of much-needed medical supplies, as well as food and other aid, including fuel.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, more than 10 children each day have lost one or both of their legs since October 7, 2023, when Israel launched its ongoing genocide in Gaza.

That is more than 1,000 children.

Spartan2470 on April 18th, 2025 at 19:49 UTC »

Here is a much higher-quality version of this image. Credit to the photographer, Samar Abu Elouf (aka samarabuelouf on IG). Two hours ago she posted this image with the following caption:

> I always have, and still do, wish to capture the photo that would stop this war — that would stop the killing, the death, the starvation.

> And I still wish for it. But if our photos can’t stop all this tragedy and horror, then what is the value of a photo? What is the image you’re waiting to see in order to understand what’s happening inside Gaza?

> Mahmoud is just a part of what’s happening there — to the children, the massive and terrifying amputations. "Stop the war, enough is enough." We want our families and loved ones to stay safe.

> That Ihab, along with all the colleagues and the wounded, be able to travel and receive treatment.

> We’ve already lost too many.

> – Samar

The other photos in the context can be seen here (you have to click on a region).

Refactoid on April 18th, 2025 at 19:59 UTC »

Can you see your son in him. See the death of hope and enthusiasm for life in his eyes as if they were there in the face of your child?

I can. This child, who is about the same age and build as my son, looks very much like my own, even if another shade of skin. I can't help but see the defeat, the pain, and disappointment in the world reflected in his eyes and in his expression, as if it were my own child.

Perhaps if other people could see each other in such a way, the pain and shame might just bring some empathy and kindness to this world.

Im sorry our world has treated you so unkind, son.