Motaz Azaiza reminds world that Palestinians are 'human' at 'TIME100' Gala

The journalist once again called for the freedom of his compatriots

Palestinian journalist Motaz Azaiza has captured the attention of the world with his harrowing photographs of the ongoing atrocities happening on the Gaza Strip. After being named on this year’s TIME100 list of the World's Most Influential People, Motaz spoke to TIME on the red carpet at this year’s TIME100 Gala in New York City.

TIME reported that Motaz recently visited students at Columbia University and New York University. Following his visit, Motaz shared his views about the Gaza solidarity encampments that have appeared at universities in New York and across the country. “It was great," said Motaz. "I appreciate this, and I’m happy that students there would like to know more and educate themselves.” He continued, “It was an honour for me to raise awareness about what is going on in my country.”

On the red carpet, the journalist went on to remind everyone that the people of Palestine are “humans” and deserve to be allowed to live. “We are humans,” he stated. “Not human animals. We’re asking for and fighting for our freedom. My people are getting killed, murdered, and starving. Struggling to find food, shelter, they are in tents…people are really suffering. It’s now 200+ days of suffering and murdering people—civilians, most of them are women and children.”

In a sobering note, Motaz noted that he had lost over 100 colleagues to attacks by Israel. “Journalists should be protected everywhere in the world,” he said. “Journalists should not be afraid of doing their work or threatened to be killed.” Azaiza ended his interview with TIME by saying, “Free Palestine.”

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