Belal Khaled Shortlisted for Prix Pictet, Reflects on Gaza Trauma and Photography as Resistance

Belal Khaled, an artist from Gaza, has been nominated for the 11th Prix Pictet and shares insights into his photography centered on themes of conflict and resilience. Growing up in a refugee camp, he experienced the First and Second Intifadas and recognized the impact of imagery following the death of Muhammad al-Durrah. Khaled has documented life in the camp and contributed to Al Jazeera, AFP, Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times, reporting on conflicts in Syria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, and Zimbabwe. His latest project, Hands Tell Stories 2023–24, emphasizes human hands, drawing inspiration from his own injury and the plight of over 20,000 children who have lost limbs. Now in Qatar, he reflects on his family's destroyed home in Gaza. The exhibition Storm, showcasing the shortlisted photographers, is on display at V&A South Kensington until 19 October, and will move to Ishara Art Foundation in Dubai from 17 October to 13 December.