Gaza journalist Motaz Azaiza hits 17.3m Instagram followers, surpassing Joe Biden

Palestinian citizen journalist Motaz Azaiza has reached 17.3 million followers on Instagram surpassing the total number of followers secured by President Joe Biden of the United States.

Azaiza posted an Instagram story showing his 17.3 million followers take over Biden's 17.2 million followers on Instagram.

He was just voted "Man of the Year" by GQ Middle East in recognition of his coverage of the Israel-Hamas war.

Due to the high unemployment rate in Gaza, the Palestinian photographer was among hundreds of graduates who found it difficult to find inspiration following graduation.

Nonetheless, he has liked photography for as long as he can remember, so he created an Instagram feed and mostly posted images of Gazanian daily life.

His account began to gain popularity gradually, but there was always a continual threat of violence in Gaza.

"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," he said while reporting on ground amid Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

Through Motaz's coverage of Gaza, the world is made aware of the truth. 

In addition to being a talented photographer, he also serves as a global ambassador for Palestinian tenacity.

He is more motivated than ever to keep the world aware of the imminent Palestinian genocide committed by Israel.