The Associated Press has unveiled its most striking photographs from November 7-13, 2025, showcasing powerful moments captured by photojournalists around the world. The curated collection, selected by photo editor Anita Baca and photo assistant MaKayla Hart, presents a diverse range of human experiences from conflict zones to cultural celebrations.
Among the most poignant images are scenes from Gaza City, where Palestinians light fires to ward off mosquitoes amid the destruction in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood following Israeli air and ground operations. The photograph by Jehad Alshrafi captures the daily struggle of residents living in devastated areas. Meanwhile, in Gulfport, Mississippi, Goldie Getter unpacks groceries her husband received from a food bank after he was furloughed due to the government shutdown, highlighting domestic economic challenges.
The collection documents significant political and social events across multiple continents. In Baghdad, Iraq, election workers are shown gathering parliamentary election ballots after polls closed, while President Donald Trump is captured talking on his phone in Marine One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The images also chronicle natural disasters, including Judy Bertuso carefully feeding her husband Apollo porridge inside a tent at a makeshift shelter for those seeking refuge from Typhoon Fung-wong in Quezon City, Philippines.
Tragic events are also represented in the week's coverage. Security officers inspect the scene of a car explosion that reportedly killed eight people near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, India. In a more somber moment, Ruby and Hagit Chen salute over the grave of their son, slain hostage Israeli-American Staff Sergeant Itay Chen, during his funeral at Kiryat Shaul Cemetery in Tel Aviv after his body was returned from Gaza.
Cultural and sporting moments provide contrast to the more serious news events. The Miami Dolphins are shown warming up during a practice session in Madrid, Spain, ahead of their NFL game against the Washington Commanders. Tennis star Novak Djokovic of Serbia is captured sliding into the splits while returning a ball to Lorenzo Musetti of Italy during their ATP 250 tournament final match in Athens, Greece.
The photographs also capture unique cultural milestones and celebrations. In Tehran, Iran, a musician plays her instrument as Paniz Faryousefi made history by becoming the first woman to conduct a performance of the Tehran Symphony Orchestra at Unity Hall. Juan Gabriel impersonators perform in Mexico City's main square, the Zócalo, before a free screening of the late Mexican singer's 1990 concert at Bellas Artes.
Natural phenomena and seasonal changes are beautifully documented in several images. The northern lights fill the sky behind the Saint Joseph the Woodworker Shrine near Valley Falls, Kansas, while a person poses for a photo in front of a maple tree displaying fall colors in Kansas City, Missouri. These images showcase the diverse beauty found across American landscapes.
The collection also includes behind-the-scenes moments and unique perspectives. Schuyler Clogston and Agnes Suárez are shown making shadow puppets after setting up equipment to attract moths for observation in Charleston, South Carolina. Girl Scouts hold pictures of veterans as they march in the Veterans Day parade in New York, demonstrating patriotic remembrance.
Entertainment industry moments are captured through premiere events and fan interactions. Actress Cynthia Erivo strikes a pose for photographers at the "Wicked For Good" film premiere in London, while fans of Johnny Depp cheer him on outside a cinema in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as he presents his film "Modi, Three Days on the Wing of Madness."
The week's photography also documents ongoing humanitarian crises and their human impact. Displaced from their home due to Typhoon Halong, AvaRae Carl looks out of a window in Bethel, Alaska, as her grandfather points toward their village Kipnuk. Additionally, Gabriela Villanueva and her husband Juan Guedez sit with in-laws outside their home in Araure, Venezuela, after traveling by land from Chile to Mexico and attempting to reach the United States before returning home due to border closures.
These carefully selected images represent the breadth of human experience captured by Associated Press photographers worldwide, from moments of tragedy and triumph to celebrations of culture and the beauty of the natural world. The collection serves as a visual chronicle of one week's most significant global events and intimate human moments.
