Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, wildfires in Europe, the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Venezuela, and World Cup semi-finals are among the events captured by the world’s leading photojournalists this week.
Gaza and Jerusalem
In Gaza City, Palestinians sought cover from a massive explosion after an Israeli airstrike targeted a blacksmith’s workshop in al-Sabra. The Gaza recovery plan pursued by Donald Trump’s Board of Peace has shrunk dramatically from an ambitious blueprint for reconstructing the entire territory to a small pilot project in the south of the strip.
In Jerusalem, a Jewish worshipper lay on the ground during a visit to al-Aqsa compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount. Israel will hold national elections on 27 October, giving citizens their first chance to pass judgment on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023.
Smoke rose after another Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza City. The charity Save the Children angered the UK government with a social media post marking Keir Starmer’s impending exit from Downing Street, suggesting the outgoing prime minister was complicit in the deaths of thousands of civilians in the Israel-Gaza war.
West Bank
In Sinjil, West Bank, a Palestinian used a flashlight after volunteers on a night watch spotted Israeli settlers on a nearby hill. A deadly campaign of extremist violence to expand Israeli control in the occupied West Bank is expected to continue until election day on 27 October, as settler militants and their political backers exploit their seat at the cabinet table.
Venezuela Earthquake
In Caraballeda, Venezuela, volunteers and relatives of victims searched for loved ones amid the debris of a collapsed building. Public anger has grown over what many perceive as the Venezuelan government’s botched response to twin earthquakes that killed nearly 5,000 people. A grieving mother was caught on camera berating the son of former President Nicolás Maduro.
Ukraine
In Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, rescuers worked at the site of a Russian strike on a residential building. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Ukraine’s popular defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, despite pleas from foreign partners and civil society, as part of a wide-ranging government reshuffle.
Wildfires in Europe
In Le Vaudoué, France, a firefighter sprayed water to extinguish flames in Fontainebleau forest during a wildfire of unprecedented scale. In southern Spain, the prime minister visited the scene of a deadly wildfire and warned: “The climate emergency kills.”
In Noisy-sur-École, a sign reading “No fires” stood among burnt vegetation after a wildfire in Fontainebleau forest during a heatwave affecting much of France. Mayor Julien Gondard said he was shocked and angered: “This exceptional area is consumed by flames, we’ve never seen anything like this. The forest is fragile and it’s in a critical condition.”
Ebola Outbreak in DRC
In Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a doctor provided care to a patient with Ebola at the Rwampara treatment centre. No approved drug exists to help medical teams scrambling to save lives, but hopes could change within months as the first patients are enrolled in a treatment trial.
Srebrenica Memorial
In Potočari, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a woman stood next to the monument bearing the names of victims of the Srebrenica genocide.
ICE Incident in Maine
In Biddeford, Maine, USA, a woman prayed after leaving flowers near the scene where a man was shot and killed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). US officials face mounting calls to remove ICE from the streets after federal agents killed two men who were not the target of enforcement action in less than a week.
Spain and South Africa
In Málaga, Spain, penitents stood in the sea during the Virgen del Carmen procession. In Johannesburg, South Africa, Malawians gathered in front of their consulate before repatriation. About 35,000 have already returned home after fringe groups demanded all illegal migrants leave by 30 June, in a campaign marked by violent protests and clashes.
UK and US
In Greater Manchester, England, firefighters tackled a moorland blaze near Dovestone reservoir. A woman was charged with aggravated arson as large parts of Greater Manchester were covered in smoke.
In New York City, people played basketball as wildfire smoke from Canada caused hazy conditions, affecting about 109 million people across the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Sports
At Wimbledon, Alexander Zverev of Germany served to Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the men’s singles final. Sinner described his triumph as particularly special after his painful defeat at the French Open, securing his second Wimbledon title with a four-set win against Zverev.
In London, people played football on pitches with dried grass after three heatwaves so far this summer at Hackney Marshes. A report found the UK’s climatic extremes are becoming increasingly normal, with last year the hottest on record and further “unprecedented changes” likely to break the record again soon.
In Arlington, Texas, France’s Désiré Doué covered his face after his side’s defeat against Spain in the World Cup semi-final. The Spanish team collectively swamped France’s individual flair, reducing their front four to faulty components.
In Buenos Aires, Argentina, fans climbed on a bus stop after Argentina’s victory over England in the World Cup semi-final. Argentina staged one of their greatest fightbacks, making the win against the old enemy even sweeter.
