In partnership with ZUMA photo agency, here are the top images for the week of Dec. 27-Jan. 2. The selection includes a devastating plane crash in South Korea that claimed 179 lives, an apparent terror attack that marred New Year's Eve in New Orleans, while Russia and Ukraine exchanged hundreds of prisoners in a UAE-brokered deal. And on a lighter (yet, colder!) note, revelers in Slovenia dived headfirst into the Adriatic Sea to ring in 2025 in style.
Plane crash at Muan International Airport, South Korea, kills 179
Dec. 29 - Fire crews and investigators inspect what is left of Jeju Air flight 2216 after it crashed at Muan international airport, South Korea. The plane issued a distress call before it belly-landed on the runaway, crashing into a barrier and bursting into flames. Flying from Bangkok, Thailand, to Muan in the south of the peninsula, it was carrying 181 people. The death toll reached 179, with only two flight attendants surviving.
Prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine
Dec. 30 - In the Kiev Oblast region, a Ukrainian soldier embraces his family after being released from Russian captivity in a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy, 189 Ukrainians returned home in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Russian defence ministry said it had swapped 150 Ukrainian soldiers for an equal number of Russian troops. This is the 59th such swap since Russia’s full scale invasion in February 2022.
New Orleans truck attack in kills 15 on New Year's Eve
Jan. 1 - Police vehicles are parked near the site of a fatal truck attack in New Orleans, Louisiana. At least 15 people were killed and dozens injured in a suspected terrorist attack earlier in the day when a pickup truck was driven into a crowd celebrating New Year's Day in a popular tourist spot in the southern U.S. city.
Killing of Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleiman, 5th anniversary
Jan. 1 - Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a ceremony in Tehran ahead of the fifth anniversary of the assassination of Iran's Revolutionary Guards commander Qasem Soleimani. He was killed in a targeted US airstrike at Baghdad airport in Iraq on January 3, 2020.
Death at 100 of President Jimmy Carter
Dec. 30 - Flags fly at half mast in Washington DC to honor the passing of President Jimmy Carter. The 39th president of the United States passed away December 29, 2024 at the age of 100.
Supporters of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol protest his impeachment
Jan. 2 - In Seoul, South Korea, near the presidential residence, supporters of former President Yoon Suk Yeol protest his impeachment and the recent arrest warrant issued against him by a Seoul’s court. The warrant comes after Yoon, investigated for abusing his power by imposing Martial Law and inciting an insurrection, ignored three summonses to appear for questioning over the past two weeks. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials is expected to execute the arrest warrant before the 6th January.
Displaced Palestinian in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip
Dec. 30 - In a camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, a boy stands outside his tent amid heavy rainfall, as the war between Israel and Hamas rages on. The head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Jagan Chapagain pressed for immediate humanitarian access into Gaza amid reports of hypothermia-related deaths of newborns and infants.
Brazil’s New Year tradition of flower offerings to the sea
Dec. 28 - In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a woman makes an offering of flowers to the sea on Copacabana Beach, days before the New Year. This cherished tradition honors Iemanj, the goddess of the sea who symbolizes peace, prosperity, and renewal.
Kafemlejnek steam locomotive’s post-Christmas ride
Dec. 30 - A steam locomotive known as “Kafemlejnek” blasts through the snow on its post-Christmas ride along the railway between Korenov and Harrachov, in the Jablonec region of the Czech Republic.
Last 2024 sunset in Doha
Dec. 31- People ride camels along the Sealine Sand Dunes, enjoying the last sunset of the year in Qatar. The Sealine Desert, a unique landscape where the desert meets the sea, is located about 50 kilometers from the country’s capital, Doha.
Chilly New Year’s dive in Slovenia
Jan. 1 - Daredevils plunge into the Adriatic Sea as part of the 19th edition of the New Year's Jump in Portoroz, Slovenia. The popular event draws participants eager to dive headfirst into the new year — and invigorating waters.
Party’s over in Berlin
Jan. 1 - Berliner Stadtreinigung (BSR) employees use leaf blowers to clear New Year's Eve garbage on the German capital’s Ebertstrasse street. An estimated 500 workers and 180 cleaning vehicles were deployed across Berlin, focusing on key areas like the Brandenburg Gate and Unter den Linden avenue, to make sure the New Year’s Eve mess gets promptly cleared. Germany suffered one of the deadliest New Year's Eve celebrations in memory, with at least five people killed by fireworks.