The Guardian's picture editors have selected a compelling series of photographs from across the globe for Friday, 30 January 2026, offering a visual narrative of diverse human experiences.
Scenes from Conflict and Resilience
In Deir al-Balah, Gaza, a young girl queues as others fill containers with water from a public cistern in the Nuseirat camp for Palestinian refugees, highlighting daily struggles amid destruction. Nearby, boys pick flowers from a field near destroyed buildings, a poignant contrast of life and loss.
Cultural and Political Moments
In Nablus, West Bank, Israeli Jews, including ultra-nationalists, ultra-Orthodox, and settlers, pray at the Tomb of Joseph, reflecting religious tensions. Meanwhile, in Washington, DC, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the premiere of her film Melania at The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.
Protests and Commemorations
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, posters commemorating Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, fatally shot by federal immigration agents, are reflected on a transit bus window. In New York City, people hold candles during a vigil for Veterans Affairs nurse Alex Pretti outside a hospital, underscoring community grief.
Global Events and Environmental Issues
In Caracas, Venezuela, members of the Bolivarian national police guard a demonstration defending the oil industry and demanding the release of Nicolàs Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. In Nuuk, Greenland, a woman photographs an ice block in the harbour, a subtle nod to climate concerns.
War and Development
In Kyiv, Ukraine, a building has its windows protected by sandbags, a reminder of ongoing conflict. In Unnyul County, North Korea, a photograph released by the official news agency shows a groundbreaking ceremony for regional development construction.
Crime and Natural Disasters
In Mongyai, Myanmar, glass distillation and condensation flasks at a drug production site, captured by the military, indicate increased production and trafficking amid civil war. In Ksar el-Kebir, Morocco, people ride in the back of a truck along a flooded main street after heavy rainfall.
Rescue and Tradition
In Écrins, France, a dog-handler from the CRS Alpes Grenoble mountain rescue team searches with a dog for potential buried victims during an avalanche emergency response. In Jurm, Afghanistan, Afghans watch from a hilltop as horsemen compete during Buzkashi, a traditional Central Asian sport.
Sporting Celebration
In Melbourne, Australia, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz celebrates during his semi-final against Germany's Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open, capturing a moment of athletic triumph.
These images, curated by The Guardian's editors, provide a snapshot of global events, from humanitarian crises to cultural highlights, on this day.
