ICONIC IMAGES THAT IMPACTED 2023

As we approach the end of another year marked by both sorrowful events and remarkable achievements, photographers continue to amaze us by presenting fresh perspectives on the world. It's incredible to believe that you've seen every possible photo of a president, a protest, or a sports event, only to discover a new viewpoint through the lens of a storyteller aiming to inform and illuminate our shared humanity. In 2023, a year dominated by the rapid rise of AI imagery, it's evident that photojournalism is more crucial than ever. Those storytellers committed to witnessing global events in real time play a vital role in bringing clarity to our otherwise confusing world. Consequently, the responsibility on them to act ethically and uphold the highest journalistic standards is greater now than perhaps at any point in history. Below, you'll find a collection of images that left a lasting impact in 2023, evoking powerful emotions. We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the year with thoughtfulness, clarity, and a sense of wonder.

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On March 29, a child crossed a narrow part of the Rio Grande at the U.S. border with Mexico. The influx of Venezuelans seeking asylum, among other factors, led to a historic number of people migrating from South and Central America to the U.S. In the federal fiscal year that concluded in October, arrivals reached a record 2.5 million. The photograph was taken by Go Nakamura for The New York Times/Redux.

On October 7, Israelis came together to donate blood at the Magen David Adom emergency service in Jerusalem. This response was prompted by an unprecedented attack carried out by Hamas militants on Israel. The photo was captured by Maya Alleruzzo for the Associated Press (AP).

On October 23, a woman holding a girl reacts to Israeli airstrikes hitting the Ridwan neighbourhood of Gaza City. The poignant moment was captured by Ali Jadallah for Anadolu Agency/Getty Images.

On February 26, Ukrainian military medics provided treatment to their wounded comrade at a field hospital near Bakhmut, Ukraine. The image was captured by Evgeniy Maloletka for the Associated Press (AP).