AP Month in Pictures: Middle East – June 2023

AP Month in Pictures: Middle East – June 2023

This collection of captivating images showcases the events and experiences that unfolded across the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in June 2023. Curated by Oded Balilty, AP’s chief photographer for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, along with Dusan Vranic, the deputy news director for photography for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, these photographs provide a glimpse into the region’s diverse realities.

1. Violence in the Occupied West Bank – Palestinian residents attempt to extinguish a car set ablaze during an Israeli security forces raid in the Balata refugee camp. The raid was prompted by the alleged failure to arrest a wanted militant in the heavily militarized camp near Nablus. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

2. Protests in Jenin – Palestinians protest against an Israeli military raid in the West Bank city of Jenin, near the border fence with Israel. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

3. Demolition in Nablus – Palestinians inspect the remains of a house belonging to the family of Kamal Jouri, which was demolished by Israeli troops in the city of Nablus. Jouri is accused of shooting and killing an IDF soldier near Nablus the previous year. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

4. Children Amidst Destruction – Palestinian children walk past a mural in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, within an area devastated by recent conflicts with Israel. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

5. Tensions in South Lebanon – A Lebanese soldier aims a rocket-propelled grenade toward an Israeli tank in the disputed Kfar Chouba hills along the border. Israeli soldiers respond with tear gas to disperse stone-throwing protesters along the Lebanon-Israel border. (AP Photo/Mohammad Zaatari)

6. Arms Show in Gaza – A Palestinian child poses with a weapon at an arms exhibition held by the ruling Hamas group’s military wing in the Nusseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

7. Aftermath of a Shooting Attack – The body of a Palestinian gunman lies covered in a black plastic bag at the scene of a shooting attack near the Israeli settlement of Eli in the West Bank. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

8. Poverty in Pakistan – Women and children patiently wait for free food at a distribution point in Lahore, Pakistan. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

9. Eid al-Adha Prayer in Jaffa – Muslim worshippers gather for Eid al-Adha prayer in Jaffa, a mixed Arab-Jewish area of Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

10. Refreshing Dip in the Sea of Galilee – People enjoy a swim in the Sea of Galilee, located in northern Israel. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

11. Beating the Heat in Lahore – Pakistani youths find relief from the scorching temperatures by jumping into a canal in Lahore, Pakistan. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)

12. Fun by the Arabian Sea – People delight in the high tide waves on the Arabian Sea in Karachi, Pakistan. (AP Photo/Fareed Khan)

13. Eid Al Adha Festival in Tel Aviv – A Palestinian woman stands in the waves of the Mediterranean Sea during the Eid Al Adha festival at the beach in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

14. Hajj Pilgrimage in Mecca – Muslim pilgrims gather on the rocky hill known as the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Water is sprayed on them as they engage in prayer. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)

15. Beach Leisure in Gaza City – Palestinians savor a day at the beach in Gaza City during a heat wave, finding solace in the cool waters of the Mediterranean Sea. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

16. Eid Al Adha Festival in Tel Aviv – Palestinians continue their celebrations of the Eid Al Adha festival, enjoying the day on the beach in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)

17. Sea Turtle Release – People gather to witness the release of a sea turtle into the Mediterranean Sea at Beit Yanai beach, Israel, on World Sea Turtle Day. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

18. Wrestling in Herat – Men engage in a spirited wrestling match on the outskirts of Herat, Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

19. Pride Party in Tel Aviv – Individuals participate in a lively Pride party as part of the annual Pride Week events in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

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