Pictures of the week: From a Malachite butterfly in Abu Dhabi to a date harvest in Liwa

This week’s photographs captured a wide range of global scenes, from natural wonders to human struggles and celebrations. Among them was a striking image of a Malachite butterfly at the Butterfly Garden in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the delicate beauty of nature. In contrast, another photograph depicted Palestinians fleeing as smoke and flames rose from an Israeli strike on the Al-Muttaqin Mosque in Gaza City, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the region. In northeastern Syria, a displaced Syrian Kurdish woman carried a child on her back while walking through the al-Talaeh displacement camp in Hasakeh, illustrating the plight of refugees. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the funeral of the late US Senator Lindsey Graham at The Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC, underscoring international political ties. On the other side of the world, migrants reached Spanish territory after swimming from Morocco to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, reflecting the persistent issue of migration across the Mediterranean. In Poland, Europe's largest statue of the Virgin Mary, standing 55.6 metres tall, dominated the landscape in the village of Konotopie near Torun. In Thailand, a crew member directed a wax float through the streets during the first day of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, capturing the vibrant traditions of local culture. In Serbia, swimmers explored a sunken German warship from World War II, exposed due to low Danube River levels caused by drought and extreme heat, offering a glimpse into historical relics. In Italy, a plume of ashes rose from the crater of Mount Etna during an eruption, emphasizing the dynamic forces of nature. In South Africa, protesters chanted outside the Department of Home Affairs offices in Alexandra township, waiting for their identity card photos amid a demonstration against undocumented immigrants. In Spain, workers demolished the cooling towers of Endesa's thermal power plant near A Coruna, signaling changes in energy infrastructure. In Austria, Canadian bass-baritone Philippe Sly performed during a dress rehearsal for the opera Saint Francois d'Assise at the Salzburg Festival, celebrating artistic endeavors. In Japan, damage from a landslide on the slopes of Mayuyama mountain followed an earthquake in Kumamoto prefecture, showing the impact of seismic activity. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli settlers attempted to extinguish a wildfire near the Ein Samiya spring, revealing environmental challenges in the region. In Kyiv, Ukraine, people sought shelter in a metro station during a Russian missile strike, highlighting the dangers faced by civilians. In China, individuals cooled off at a water park in Nanjing, demonstrating recreational activities amidst daily life. In New Delhi, a model presented a creation by designer Rahul Mishra during the finale of India Couture Week, showcasing fashion innovation. In Iran, missiles were displayed at Azadi Square in Tehran, reflecting military preparedness. In Glasgow, competitors participated in the men's 50-metre butterfly final during the Commonwealth Games, emphasizing athletic competition. In Gaza City, Palestinian beekeepers inspected hives on top of a damaged building, illustrating resilience in challenging conditions. In Manchester, a giant puppet was part of a parade during Manchester Day, celebrating cultural connections with Barcelona. In Pyongyang, dancers marked the 73rd anniversary of the end of the Korean War at the plaza of the Arch of Triumph, honoring historical milestones. In Japan, traditional arm-held firework performers held a tezutsu hanabi during a festival in Tatebayashi, preserving cultural heritage. In China, farmers harvested water chestnuts in a pond in Taizhou, showing agricultural practices. In South Korea, participants embraced the annual Boryeong Mud Festival, engaging in unique cultural experiences. In Tell, near Nablus, an ambulance transported the body of a Palestinian killed in recent violence, underscoring the human cost of conflict. In Beirut, a man saluted as the body of Japanese militant Kozo Okamoto was carried through the city, reflecting complex historical narratives. In southwestern France, clouds of smoke from wildfires drifted past a beach in Lacanau, indicating environmental threats. Finally, dates were picked at a farm near Liwa, Abu Dhabi, capturing the agricultural rhythms of the region.