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15:32 GMT
GAZA, Feb 12 (KUNA) -- Two Gazan photographers have won on Friday the top
awards of the 2010 World Press Photo contest for the photos they took of the
last winter Israeli offensive on Gaza Strip.
Mohammad Gadallah, a Reuters photojournalist, and compatriot Mohammad
Al-Baba won the first and third awards respectively, according to reports
reaching here from the Amsterdam-based World Press Photo organization.
The top photo shows white phosphorus bombs falling from Israeli warplanes
on the Palestinians during the notorious Cast Lead operation in January, 2009.
"The photo provides evidence that the Israeli occupation forces used the
internationally-banned weapons during the war on Gaza," Gadallah told
reporters here.
"It leaves no shred of doubt about the crimes of Israel against the
Palestinians as the Israeli Defense Forces are caught red-handed," he affirmed.
Gadallah and Al-Baba are scheduled to fly to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, in
late April, 2010, to receive the awards in an official award-giving ceremony
to be held by the World Press Photo, a non-profit organization governed by an
independent executive board.
The contest drew participation of more than 10,000 photojournalists from
around the globe who posted single images or stories/portfolios in ten
categories; Spot News, General News, People in the News, Sports Action, Sports
Feature, Contemporary Issues, Daily Life, Portraits, Arts and Entertainment
and Nature.
The winning pictures will compose a traveling exhibition in more than 90
locations worldwide. (end)
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KUNA 121832 Feb 10NNNN