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Week in pictures: 7 -13 October 2023

A selection of powerful news photographs taken around the world this week.

Amir Cohen / Reuters Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, as seen from the city of Ashkelon, IsraelAmir Cohen / Reuters
Israel's air defence system, known as Iron Dome, intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip as the situation in the region deteriorated. Palestinian militant group Hamas kidnapped at least 150 people and took them into Gaza during deadly attacks on Israel that killed 1,300 people. More than 1,500 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched retaliatory air strikes, which continue.
Esmatullah Habibian / AFP An Afghan man shows his family photo to the cameraEsmatullah Habibian / AFP
Two large earthquakes hit western Afghanistan four days apart, killing more than 1,300 people. The United Nations called it a "disaster on top of a disaster" in a nation still reeling from decades of war.
Molly Darlington / Reuters Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer reacts after a protester threw glitter on him at the Labour Party annual conference in LiverpoolMolly Darlington / Reuters
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer's speech to his party's conference in Liverpool was delayed when a protester stormed the stage and doused him in glitter. He recovered his composure and received multiple standing ovations during his speech, as he promised a "decade of national renewal" under a Labour government, including a plan for 1.5 million new homes.
Sachin Kumar / AFP A derailed train near Raghunathpur railway station Sachin Kumar / AFP
At least four people were killed when an express train derailed in India's Bihar state.
John Wessels / AFP A voter waits in line at a voting station for the polls to open in MonroviaJohn Wessels / AFP
A voter waits in line at a voting station for the polls to open in Monrovia as Liberians decide whether to give President George Weah a second term. Local and regional election observers said polling was peaceful despite clashes between rival political camps in the final days of the campaign.
Jane Barlow / PA Media The Flying Scotsman passes over the Forth Bridge near North Queensferry, Fife, in ScotlandJane Barlow / PA Media
The Flying Scotsman, the most famous steam locomotive in the world, passes over the Forth Bridge near North Queensferry, Fife. It is celebrating its centenary year, having entered service on 24 February 1923. Its achievements include hauling the inaugural non-stop London to Edinburgh train service in 1928, and becoming the UK's first locomotive to reach 100mph (160.9kph) six years later.
Andrew Boyers / Reuters England's Liam Livingstone celebrates taking the wicket of Bangladesh's Towhid HridoyAndrew Boyers / Reuters
England's Liam Livingstone celebrates taking the wicket of Bangladesh's Towhid Hridoy at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala, India, during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. England won the match by 137 runs.
Sam Panthaky / AFP A woman prepares for the festival of Navaratri in AhmedabadSam Panthaky / AFP
Women wear traditional dresses to perform at a Garba dance rehearsal in Ahmedabad, India, ahead of Navaratri, a nine-day Hindu festival of music and dance.
Tiziana Fabi / AFP Pope Francis arrives to lead his weekly general audience at St Peter's Square in Vatican CityTiziana Fabi / AFP
Pope Francis arrives to lead his weekly general audience at St Peter's Square in Vatican City.
Tommy Gilligan / USA Today / Reuters Baltimore Orioles third baseman Gunnar Henderson slides into the home plate to score a run at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, BaltimoreTommy Gilligan / USA Today / Reuters
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Gunnar Henderson slides home during a Major League Baseball match against the Texas Rangers in Baltimore.

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