The jury of the European Cartoon Award announced on Saturday that Dutch cartoonist Tjeerd Royaards has won the top prize at the award’s seventh edition, for a political cartoon addressing the war in Gaza and its humanitarian consequences.
The announcement was made during the European Cartoon Day ceremony held at the Central Library in The Hague, attended by artists, critics, journalists and civil society figures. The award is considered one of the most prestigious distinctions for political cartoonists in Europe.
The winning cartoon, originally published in the Dutch newspaper Trouw, offers a sharp visual commentary on the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, explicitly referencing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The work stood out among more than 400 submissions from over 30 countries.
In a statement, the jury praised the illustration for its “strong symbolism and expressive boldness,” noting that political cartooning remains a powerful artistic medium for addressing controversial issues and stimulating public debate. According to the panel, the cartoon confronts viewers with a harsh reality while remaining firmly rooted in the tradition of editorial satire.
Two runner-up prizes were also awarded: one to Jordanian cartoonist Emad Hajjaj for a work focusing on the complexities of global peace negotiations, and another to Turkish artist Zehra Ömeroğlu for a cartoon addressing women’s rights. Swiss cartoonist Patrick Chappatte received an honorary mention for his overall artistic contribution.
Founded in 2019, the European Cartoon Award aims to support cartoonists who engage with political and social issues through satire, particularly at a time when freedom of expression is under pressure in many parts of the world.
Source: Africa Eye
