His reporting often consisted of raw, unfiltered videos about the civilian impact of Israeli airstrikes.

Photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, who documented the impact of the war in Gaza, has left the enclave and traveled to Qatar.

Azaiza announced on Instagram on Tuesday that he was leaving the besieged strip before boarding a Qatari military plane at Egypt’s El Arish International Airport. However, it is unclear how he was able to leave Gaza and why he was evacuated.

“This is the last time you’ll see me with this heavy, smelly stuff [press] Vest. I have decided to evacuate today. … Hopefully I will jump back soon and help rebuild Gaza,” Azaiza said in a video.

So,

I had to evacuate for many reasons. You all know some of this, but not all of it.

thank you all

Pray for Gaza. pic.twitter.com/sIqULe9d5V

– MoTaz (@azaizamotaz9) January 23, 2024

The 24-year-old Palestinian captured the attention of millions around the world when he filmed himself wearing a press vest and helmet to document conditions during Israel’s war, which killed more than 25,000 people in Gaza.

Israel launched its offensive after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,139 people and capturing more than 200 people.

Azaiza’s reporting often consisted of raw, unfiltered videos of injured children or families crushed under rubble after Israeli airstrikes.

He said he had to evacuate “for many reasons, which you all know, some of it, but not all of it.”

In his post, he was seen on video about to board a gray plane emblazoned with the words “Qatar Emiri Air Force.”

“First video outside of Gaza,” he said in one clip, revealing it was his first time on a plane. “On the way to Qatar.”

He also shared a video of the inside of the plane as it landed in Doha.

Since the war began, the photojournalist has amassed millions of followers across multiple platforms.

His Instagram following has grown from around 27,500 to 18.25 million in the more than 100 days since October 7, according to an Al Jazeera social media analysis.

His Facebook account grew from a similar starting point to nearly 500,000 followers. He now has a million followers on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In addition to his social media posts, Azaiza has produced content for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNWRA).

Social media users thanked Azaiza for his coverage of the war and many hailed him as a hero.

“Thank you for everything you have done, you have moved mountains, what you have done in the last 100 days, people cannot do in a lifetime.” You were a crucial voice in telling the world about Israeli atrocities in Gaza to show. I wish you all the best and safety,” said one user on X.

Thank you for everything you have done, you have moved mountains, what you have done in the last 100 days people cannot do in their entire lives. They were a crucial voice in showing the world Israel’s atrocities in Gaza. I wish you all the best and safety ✊🏻🇵🇸

— Sister #FreePalestine (@falstinya1948) January 23, 2024

“I’m so glad you had the opportunity to come out. God willing YOU WILL RETURN TO A FREE PALESTINE,” wrote another.

“We love you so much,” American musician Kehlani wrote, adding: “Thank you for your humanity.”

“Frame this vest. It is the armor of one of the greatest heroes in history,” said comedian Sammy Obeid.