Independent photojournalism and documentary photography are indispensable tools of political
education for a democratic society and an essential part of shaping public opinion-especially
in our so-called 'post-factual' times. In recognition of this the independent non-profit
organization World Press Photo Foundation based in Amsterdam has been presenting the World
Press Photo Award for the best photo the best story the best longterm project of the year for
more than six decades. The winning images in the various categories tell bold stories and
provide invaluable insights into the state of our world. A photograph by Mohammed Salem for
Reuters from the Gaza war is the press photo of the year and also the cover illustration - it
shows a Palestinian woman holding her five-year-old niece who was killed when a missile hit
her home in Khan Younis Gaza tightly on her lap.
