A World in Pictures: Monday's Global Highlights
The Guardian's picture editors have curated a compelling collection of photographs from across the globe, offering a vivid snapshot of diverse events and daily life on Monday, February 9, 2026. From scenes of resilience to moments of tradition and conflict, these images tell stories that transcend borders.
Scenes of Resilience and Daily Life
In Gaza City, Gaza Strip, young men participated in a five-a-side football match between Gaza Sports Club and Beit Hanoun Sports Club at the Palestine Stadium, showcasing a moment of normalcy and sport amidst ongoing tensions. Meanwhile, in Jakarta, Indonesia, a cat was photographed making its way through a room of drying incense sticks at a cottage-industry production site, highlighting local craftsmanship and the serene, aromatic process of incense making.
Political and Social Moments
Political events were captured in various locations. In Pristina, Kosovo, Kosovo Liberation Army veterans watched the war crimes trial of former president Hashim Thaçi at a tribunal in The Hague. In Paris, France, President Emmanuel Macron tested the nose of a glass of white wine at the city's annual wine fair, blending politics with culture. Additionally, in Pyongyang, North Korea, Kim Jong-un reviewed a guard of honour to mark the 78th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army, a display of military pomp.
Protests and Environmental Issues
Protests and environmental concerns were also prominent. In Sydney, Australia, a man was helped by fellow protesters after police used pepper spray to disperse a rally opposed to the visit of Israel's president, Isaac Herzog, illustrating heated political demonstrations. In Brussels, Belgium, Extinction Rebellion and Greenpeace activists protested before a major two-day chemical industry summit, emphasizing global environmental activism.
Cultural and Traditional Events
Cultural traditions were celebrated in several images. In Bhaktapur, Nepal, a dancer performed a traditional mask dance, preserving heritage. In Mandalay, Myanmar, posters offered the traditional Burmese wrap-around skirt for sale at Zay Cho market, reflecting local commerce and fashion. In Kaohsiung, Taiwan, a giant Ultraman inflatable formed part of lunar new year attractions for children, adding a festive touch.
Natural Disasters and Royal Visits
Natural events and royal occasions were documented as well. In Chertsey, England, a playground was flooded after heavy rain caused the Chertsey Bourne to burst its banks, showing the impact of weather. In Clitheroe, England, people waited at the town's station for the arrival of King Charles, capturing public anticipation. In Tripoli, Lebanon, soldiers attended the scene of a collapsed residential building, highlighting structural disasters.
Industrial and Sporting Activities
Industrial and sporting scenes rounded out the collection. In Shandong, China, workers made soya sauce at the Tengzhou Dingsheng Brewing Company, depicting food production. In Oban, Scotland, Mike Taylor from Balrownie Farms was licked by a bull as Highland cattle were prepared for the town's 135th annual spring sale, showcasing agricultural traditions. In Cortina, Italy, Jane Channell of Team Canada competed in women's single skeleton at the Winter Olympics, capturing athletic endeavour.
Conflict and Incarceration
More sombre moments included conflict and incarceration. In Odesa, Ukraine, the view from a damaged building showed the aftermath of a Russian drone strike, underscoring ongoing war. In Escuintla, Guatemala, the leader of the Guatemala branch of the Barrio 18 gang, Aldo Dupie Ochoa Mejía, alias 'The Wolf', looked out the window of his solitary confinement cell, revealing issues of crime and justice.
This diverse array of photographs provides a window into the complexities of our world, from joy and tradition to struggle and protest, all captured in a single day.
