Best photos of December 23: Protest in Belgrade to burning gas flares in Baghdad

The National picks the most striking images from around the world

TOPSHOT - Thias aerial view shows thousands of students and citizens attending a protest over the collapse of a train station roof that killed 15 people last month, amid a widespread blockade of higher education institutions in downtown Belgrade on December 22, 2024. For over seven weeks, the Serbian government has been under pressure from nation-wide demonstrations following the deaths in the northern city of Novi Sad, with many protesters accusing authorities of corruption and inadequate oversight. (Photo by DJORDJE KOSTIC / AFP)

People gather with independence-era Syrian flags during celebrations of the ouster of president Bashar Al Assad in the north-western city of Idlib. AFP

A coast guard ship that was carried about five kilometres inland to the city centre of Banda Aceh during the Indian Ocean tsunami, Indonesia. Reuters

Sikh youths perform 'Gatka', an ancient form of Sikh martial arts, during a religious procession, in Amritsar. AFP

Real Betis' Diego Llorente, right, in action during the LaLiga match against Rayo Vallecano at Benito Villamarin stadium, in Sevilla, Spain. EPA

The damaged Saint George Melkite Catholic Church ahead of the Christmas holiday, in the village of Derdghaya, southern Lebanon, amid a 60-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. EPA

Italian Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team performs before the first run of the Men's Giant Slalom race at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup event in Alta Badia, Italy. EPA

Dancers perform during a Christmas ballet event in Kibera slum, Nairobi, Kenya. AP

The sun sets behind burning gas flares at the Daura Oil Refinery Complex in Baghdad. AFP