A Palestinian woman was seen in deep sorrow as others carried the body of their relative, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, in preparation for burial at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on April 16, 2025. This poignant moment is one of the many significant events captured in today’s top photos selected by Associated Press photo editors.
In Seville, Spain, altar servers crowded a window to witness the procession of the Christ of the San Bernardo brotherhood during Holy Week celebrations. Meanwhile, in Washington, the U.S. Marine Corps Band arrived in anticipation of a ceremony with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and El Salvador’s Minister of National Defense, Rene Merino Monroy, at the Pentagon.
Also in Washington, Defense Secretary Hegseth welcomed Minister Merino Monroy to the Pentagon. In Marienberg, Germany, a woman meticulously used hairspray to style the hair on a nutcracker figurine titled “Resolute Desk of the President” at the Steinbach-Volkskunst nutcracker factory.
Business activities continued at the New York Stock Exchange, as Specialist Gennaro Saporito worked diligently on the trading floor. In Bahrain, onlookers peered through fence openings during the second practice session ahead of the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit.
In London, a moment of celebration occurred outside the U.K. Supreme Court after it ruled in favor of defining a woman as someone born biologically female, a decision stemming from a dispute between For Women Scotland and the Scottish government. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, fans enthusiastically reacted as Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors celebrated a successful 3-point shot during an NBA play-in tournament game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
In Washington, President Donald Trump presented the Commander-in-Chief trophy to the Navy Midshipman football team in the East Room of the White House. In Acworth, Georgia, a protester was escorted out as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene held a town-hall style meeting.
In Madrid, Arsenal players celebrated after Bukayo Saka scored during their Champions League quarterfinal match against Real Madrid. A solemn scene unfolded in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, where Nashat Seiam joined relatives and friends in prayer over the body of his granddaughter, Ahlam, who was tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike just days before her first birthday.
In Ukraine, children wept during a farewell ceremony for Maksym, Natalia, and Mykola Martynenko, who were victims of a Palm Sunday attack in Sumy. In New York, former film producer Harvey Weinstein appeared in court for his retrial. In Goias, Brazil, youths participated in a children’s torch procession during Holy Week.
Decoding the Details
The events captured in these images reflect a wide array of global occurrences, each with its own set of implications. In Gaza, the continued conflict and violence impact the lives of countless individuals, highlighting the urgent need for peace and stability in the region. The Holy Week celebrations in Spain and Brazil emphasize the cultural and religious traditions that bring communities together, while also reminding us of the significance of heritage in today’s rapidly changing world.
In the political sphere, the U.K. Supreme Court ruling has potential ramifications for ongoing debates about gender identity and legal definitions, which could influence future policy decisions and societal perspectives in the region and beyond. The economic activities in New York and the sports events in Bahrain and San Francisco demonstrate the interconnectedness of global markets and the universal appeal of sports as a unifying force.
