The Guardian's picture editors have curated a selection of striking images from around the world for Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The collection captures moments of conflict, natural disaster, cultural preservation, and political events.
Gaza: Airstrikes and Destruction
In Gaza, Palestinians are seen taking cover after Israeli airstrikes, with clouds of smoke billowing in the background. Another image shows adults and children surveying the wreckage of homes destroyed in an Israeli military attack in Deir al-Balah. Photographs by Mohammed Saber/EPA and Ali Jadallah/Anadolu/Getty Images document the ongoing violence.
France: Wildfires Ravage the Southwest
Firefighters battle a blaze outside Lanton in southwestern France, where wildfires have caused widespread damage. In Saumos, a deer walks through a smouldering forest after a wildfire, highlighting the impact on wildlife. The Gironde region is suffering drought conditions after a heatwave and wildfires, as captured by photographers Emma Da Silva/AP, Baz Ratner/AP, and Yves Herman/Reuters.
Russia: Drone Attack on Warehouse
In Ryazan, Russia, a woman looks back at a Wildberries warehouse as smoke billows from it. The local governor stated on Telegram that a massive drone attack was taking place, according to a social media image via Reuters.
United States: Political Events in Washington DC
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks to reporters at the Capitol after a bipartisan meeting, photographed by Rod Lamkey/AP. Meanwhile, Donald Trump speaks during the funeral service for Senator Lindsey Graham at Washington National Cathedral, captured by Evan Vucci/Reuters.
Japan: Earthquake Aftermath in Yatsushiro
In Yatsushiro, Japan, a man looks at the collapsed Yatsushiro shrine after a powerful earthquake on Tuesday. Another image shows a vehicle beneath a collapsed house. Both photographs by Yuichi Yamazaki/AFP/Getty Images.
Kyrgyzstan: Preserving Nomadic Culture
In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyz communities preserve their centuries-old nomadic way of life across the country's highlands and steppes, despite modernisation. Their strong connection with nature is passed down through traditional yurt culture, horse breeding, and eagle hunting, as photographed by Ayten Altintas/Anadolu/Getty Images.
Myanmar: Religious Observance at Shwedagon Pagoda
Devotees visit Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon during the full moon day of Waso, a sacred day in the Myanmar lunar calendar marking the beginning of Buddhist Lent. Photograph by Sai Aung Main/AFP/Getty Images.
Nepal: Protests Against Microfinance Institutions
In Kathmandu, farmers and workers protest against alleged financial exploitation by microfinance institutions. They say high interest rates and the practice of adding unpaid interest to the principal have forced many families to leave their villages because of mounting debt. Photograph by Narendra Shrestha/EPA.
North Korea: Kim Jong-un Greets War Veterans
Kim Jong-un greets war veterans taking part in events marking the 73rd anniversary of the Korean war armistice, in a photograph released by the state Korean Central News Agency (KCNA/Reuters).
Venezuela: Fishing Near Refinery
In Punta Cardon, Venezuela, a man fishes near the Cardon refinery. Years of underinvestment, equipment failures, and shortages have hampered fuel production in the country. Photograph by Gaby Oráa/Reuters.
Peru: Keiko Fujimori Sworn In as President
Keiko Fujimori steps out of congress in Lima after being sworn in as the country's new president. Photograph by Angela Ponce/Reuters.
Scotland: Commonwealth Games Athletics
In Glasgow, Australia's Tori West competes in the women's heptathlon long jump at the Scotstoun stadium on day six of the Commonwealth Games. Photograph by Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images.
Dominican Republic: Gymnastics at Central American and Caribbean Games
In Santo Domingo, Colombia's Natalia Dreszer competes in artistic gymnastics during the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games. Photograph by Rodrigo Sura/EPA.
