Top 10 compelling images captured today
In Gaza, a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions is unfolding. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have been conducting heavy bombardments and ground operations, resulting in tens of thousands of civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure. As of mid-August 2025, at least 61,722 Palestinians have been killed and over 154,000 injured, including a large number of children[1].
The situation in Gaza is marked by ongoing violence, displacement, famine, and severely restricted humanitarian aid. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been blocked from bringing humanitarian aid, including medicines and medical supplies, into Gaza since early March 2025. Around 86.3% of the Gaza Strip remains inside an Israeli-militarized zone with displacement orders, forcing many to live in unsafe shelters often built on rubble or in overcrowded, damaged sites[1].
Gaza is experiencing famine for the first time, with more than half a million people trapped in conditions of widespread starvation and malnutrition. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, World Food Programme (WFP), and WHO urgently call for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to prevent further hunger-related deaths. Famine conditions currently affect Gaza City and are projected to spread to other areas in the coming weeks[2][4].
Attacks on humanitarian convoys continue, with at least 46 Palestinians guarding or seeking aid through convoys in northern Gaza and Deir al Balah killed since early August 2025[3].
Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, events of historical significance are being commemorated. The Joi No 1 Bunker in Japan is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with lanterns. King Charles attended the Service of Remembrance to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of VJ Day and sent a stark message about current global conflicts in his VJ Day speech, warning of the importance of never forgetting the "service and sacrifice of the wartime generation and what it shows us about the ongoing need for international cooperation"[5].
Elsewhere, flash flooding has caused devastation in India and Pakistan, resulting in over 280 deaths in the last 24 hours. Authorities in the Buner district have declared a state of emergency due to the floods, and more than 1000 people have been brought to safety. The death toll in Pakistan stands at 243, with 157 deaths reported in the Buner district in the northwestern district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province[6].
In a positive note, the twin panda cubs Jia Jia and De De celebrated their first birthday at the Ocean Park in Hong Kong, while humanoid robots competed in a kickboxing match at the inaugural World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, China.
Wildfires have intensified across southern Europe this week, causing at least three deaths in Spain, Turkey, and Albania. Memorial events commemorating those who died on the battlefield, in air raids, and during the atomic bomb are being held across Japan.
[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/12/gaza-crisis-unrwa-chief-warns-of-humanitarian-catastrophe [2] https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/unicef-calls-immediate-ceasefire-gaza-prevent-further-hunger-related-deaths [3] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/palestinian-guards-convoy-killed-northern-gaza-2025-08-17/ [4] https://www.who.int/news/item/2025-08-18-who-urges-immediate-cessation-of-hostilities-in-gaza-to-prevent-further-deterioration-of-the-humanitarian-situation [5] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61262725 [6] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/17/flash-floods-kill-more-than-280-people-in-india-and-pakistan
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza, marked by violence, displacement, and limited aid, has led to a humanitarian crisis, severely restricting access to essential supplies, such as medicines and medical equipment, for the affected population.
- While wildfires have intensified across southern Europe, resulting in casualties in Spain, Turkey, and Albania, other countries commemorate historical events, like the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Japan and VJ Day in the UK.
- In a stark contrast, entertainment and sports events continue to take place, such as the birthday celebration of twin panda cubs in Hong Kong and the kickboxing match between humanoid robots in Beijing, China.
