The world on Friday, December 5th, 2025, was captured in a series of poignant and powerful moments by photojournalists across the globe. The Guardian's picture editors have curated a selection that spans continents, emotions, and current affairs, from the stark reality of conflict to the joy of celebration and the drama of international sport.
A World in Contrast: Conflict and Celebration
One of the most arresting images comes from the Nuseirat camp in Gaza, where a young boy is seen playing on the rubble of a destroyed building. The scene is illuminated by the rise of the Cold Moon, the last supermoon of 2025, casting an ethereal light over the devastation. This powerful contrast between childhood resilience and the backdrop of destruction offers a sobering glimpse into the ongoing humanitarian situation.
Elsewhere, the mood was markedly different. In Brooklyn, New York, Chaya Nechama Glanz, the great-granddaughter of Grand Rabbi Aron Teitelbaum, joyfully greeted guests before her marriage ceremony. The celebration continued inside the Duggal Greenhouse venue, where men and boys danced with unrestrained happiness, showcasing a moment of community and tradition.
Political and Seasonal Snapshots
The day also provided glimpses into the worlds of politics and the changing seasons. In Rome, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was photographed laughing during the lighting of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics cauldron, a moment of national pride. Meanwhile, in Chengdu, China, France's President Emmanuel Macron was captured in a more informal moment, running after a visit to Sichuan University.
Winter made its presence felt in Seoul, South Korea, where visitors wearing traditional hanbok dresses walked through the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace after the season's first snowfall. In Yancheng, China, people visited the Yellow Sea forest park to witness the dawn redwoods turning vibrant shades of red and yellow.
Sporting Drama and Social Commentary
The sporting world provided a key moment of drama and dejection. In Brisbane, England cricket captain Ben Stokes looked utterly dejected on day two of the second Ashes test at the Gabba. His expression followed a difficult session where his side dropped several crucial catches, highlighting the intense pressure of the iconic series.
In Milan, a thought-provoking piece of street art offered social commentary. Italian artist Andrea Villa sat next to his artwork, which portrays Santa Claus as a homeless person. The installation is part of an awareness campaign by the Progetto Arca organisation, focusing on poverty in the city during the festive season.
Other notable images included maintenance workers crossing a foggy Richmond lock on the River Thames in London, a worker in Hong Kong moving scaffolding nets following a deadly fire, and a couple in Gran Canaria observing the Cold Moon through a telescope with their daughter. From the ice hockey rink in New York to the hurdle race in Wincanton, the day's photographs collectively painted a rich, multifaceted portrait of our world.
