This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in the Middle East, Afghanistan & Pakistan Region between Aug. 20-26, 2020.

This week’s selection includes photos from across the region, including of bodybuilders in Israel who competed outdoors in masks to comply with health codes regarding the coronavirus.

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A volunteer attempts to extinguish a fire started by an incendiary device launched from the Gaza Strip, on the Israeli side of the border between Israel and Gaza, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. Militants affiliated with Hamas have launched scores of incendiary balloons into southern Israel in recent weeks in a bid to pressure Israel to ease the blockade imposed since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. (AP PhotoAriel Schalit)

This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in the Middle East, Afghanistan & Pakistan Region between Aug. 20-26, 2020.
A cat sits between rubble and debris of destroyed houses and buildings near the site of the Aug. 4 deadly blast in the port of Beirut that killed scores and wounded thousands in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP PhotoHassan Ammar)

Beirutis are still coming to terms with the deadly Aug. 4 blast that gutted the city and flooding resulted from heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan.
A man carries goods as he wades through flooded street after heavy monsoon rains, in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Pakistan's military said it will deploy rescue helicopters to Karachi to transport some 200 families to safety after canal waters flooded the city amid monsoon rains. (AP PhotoFareed Khan)

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An Israeli woman reacts during a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, following the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old Israeli girl by a group of males last week. The incident has drawn widespread condemnations and angry accusations that the government must do more to prevent violence against women. Police say some 11 suspects have been questioned. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

An Israeli woman reacts during a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, following the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old Israeli girl by a group of males last week. The incident has drawn widespread condemnations and angry accusations that the government must do more to prevent violence against women. Police say some 11 suspects have been questioned. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)
55-year-old Egyptian farmer Makhluf Abu Kassem, center, sits with farmers under shade of a dried up palm tree surrounded by barren wasteland that was once fertile and green, in Second Village, Qouta town, Fayoum, Egypt, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Abu Kassem fears that a dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, the Nile's main tributary, could add to the severe water shortages already hitting his village if no deal is struck to ensure a continued flow of water. "The dam means our death," he said. (AP PhotoNariman El-Mofty)

55-year-old Egyptian farmer Makhluf Abu Kassem, center, sits with farmers under shade of a dried up palm tree surrounded by barren wasteland that was once fertile and green, in Second Village, Qouta town, Fayoum, Egypt, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Abu Kassem fears that a dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, the Nile's main tributary, could add to the severe water shortages already hitting his village if no deal is struck to ensure a continued flow of water. "The dam means our death," he said. (AP PhotoNariman El-Mofty)
Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian man during a protest against the to expand Israeli settlements in the village of Khirbet Jubara near the West Bank city of Tulkarm, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoMajdi Mohammed)

Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian man during a protest against the to expand Israeli settlements in the village of Khirbet Jubara near the West Bank city of Tulkarm, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoMajdi Mohammed)
People search for victims of a mudslide following heavy flooding in Parwan province, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Flooding in northern Afghanistan killed and injured dozens of people officials said Wednesday. (AP PhotoRahmat Gul)

People search for victims of a mudslide following heavy flooding in Parwan province, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Flooding in northern Afghanistan killed and injured dozens of people officials said Wednesday. (AP PhotoRahmat Gul)
Contestants exercise backstage during the National Amateur Body Builders Association competition in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's competition was staged outdoors in Tel Aviv. The 85 participants were required to don protective masks in line with health codes. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Contestants exercise backstage during the National Amateur Body Builders Association competition in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's competition was staged outdoors in Tel Aviv. The 85 participants were required to don protective masks in line with health codes. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)
Orthodox nuns carry herbs and flowers after visiting the tomb where the Virgin Mary is believed to be buried, just outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City, at the end of a procession in which her icon was brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, early Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP PhotoMaya Alleruzzo)

Orthodox nuns carry herbs and flowers after visiting the tomb where the Virgin Mary is believed to be buried, just outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City, at the end of a procession in which her icon was brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, early Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP PhotoMaya Alleruzzo)
An Israeli juggler holds a model in the shape of the Star of David on a bridge during a protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

An Israeli juggler holds a model in the shape of the Star of David on a bridge during a protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)
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A volunteer attempts to extinguish a fire started by an incendiary device launched from the Gaza Strip, on the Israeli side of the border between Israel and Gaza, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. Militants affiliated with Hamas have launched scores of incendiary balloons into southern Israel in recent weeks in a bid to pressure Israel to ease the blockade imposed since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. (AP PhotoAriel Schalit)

This photo gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published by Associated Press photographers in the Middle East, Afghanistan & Pakistan Region between Aug. 20-26, 2020.

A cat sits between rubble and debris of destroyed houses and buildings near the site of the Aug. 4 deadly blast in the port of Beirut that killed scores and wounded thousands in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP PhotoHassan Ammar)

Beirutis are still coming to terms with the deadly Aug. 4 blast that gutted the city and flooding resulted from heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan.

A man carries goods as he wades through flooded street after heavy monsoon rains, in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Pakistan's military said it will deploy rescue helicopters to Karachi to transport some 200 families to safety after canal waters flooded the city amid monsoon rains. (AP PhotoFareed Khan)

Follow AP visual journalism:

An Israeli woman reacts during a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, following the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old Israeli girl by a group of males last week. The incident has drawn widespread condemnations and angry accusations that the government must do more to prevent violence against women. Police say some 11 suspects have been questioned. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

An Israeli woman reacts during a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, following the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old Israeli girl by a group of males last week. The incident has drawn widespread condemnations and angry accusations that the government must do more to prevent violence against women. Police say some 11 suspects have been questioned. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

55-year-old Egyptian farmer Makhluf Abu Kassem, center, sits with farmers under shade of a dried up palm tree surrounded by barren wasteland that was once fertile and green, in Second Village, Qouta town, Fayoum, Egypt, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Abu Kassem fears that a dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, the Nile's main tributary, could add to the severe water shortages already hitting his village if no deal is struck to ensure a continued flow of water. "The dam means our death," he said. (AP PhotoNariman El-Mofty)

55-year-old Egyptian farmer Makhluf Abu Kassem, center, sits with farmers under shade of a dried up palm tree surrounded by barren wasteland that was once fertile and green, in Second Village, Qouta town, Fayoum, Egypt, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Abu Kassem fears that a dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, the Nile's main tributary, could add to the severe water shortages already hitting his village if no deal is struck to ensure a continued flow of water. "The dam means our death," he said. (AP PhotoNariman El-Mofty)

Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian man during a protest against the to expand Israeli settlements in the village of Khirbet Jubara near the West Bank city of Tulkarm, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoMajdi Mohammed)

Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian man during a protest against the to expand Israeli settlements in the village of Khirbet Jubara near the West Bank city of Tulkarm, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoMajdi Mohammed)

People search for victims of a mudslide following heavy flooding in Parwan province, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Flooding in northern Afghanistan killed and injured dozens of people officials said Wednesday. (AP PhotoRahmat Gul)

People search for victims of a mudslide following heavy flooding in Parwan province, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Flooding in northern Afghanistan killed and injured dozens of people officials said Wednesday. (AP PhotoRahmat Gul)

Contestants exercise backstage during the National Amateur Body Builders Association competition in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's competition was staged outdoors in Tel Aviv. The 85 participants were required to don protective masks in line with health codes. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Contestants exercise backstage during the National Amateur Body Builders Association competition in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's competition was staged outdoors in Tel Aviv. The 85 participants were required to don protective masks in line with health codes. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Orthodox nuns carry herbs and flowers after visiting the tomb where the Virgin Mary is believed to be buried, just outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City, at the end of a procession in which her icon was brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, early Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP PhotoMaya Alleruzzo)

Orthodox nuns carry herbs and flowers after visiting the tomb where the Virgin Mary is believed to be buried, just outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City, at the end of a procession in which her icon was brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, early Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP PhotoMaya Alleruzzo)

An Israeli juggler holds a model in the shape of the Star of David on a bridge during a protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

An Israeli juggler holds a model in the shape of the Star of David on a bridge during a protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Militants affiliated with Hamas launched scores of incendiary balloons into southern Israel in recent weeks in a bid to pressure Israel to ease the blockade imposed since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007.

A volunteer attempts to extinguish a fire started by an incendiary device launched from the Gaza Strip, on the Israeli side of the border between Israel and Gaza, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. Militants affiliated with Hamas have launched scores of incendiary balloons into southern Israel in recent weeks in a bid to pressure Israel to ease the blockade imposed since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. (AP PhotoAriel Schalit)

A volunteer attempts to extinguish a fire started by an incendiary device launched from the Gaza Strip, on the Israeli side of the border between Israel and Gaza, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. Militants affiliated with Hamas have launched scores of incendiary balloons into southern Israel in recent weeks in a bid to pressure Israel to ease the blockade imposed since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007. (AP PhotoAriel Schalit)

Beirutis are still coming to terms with the deadly Aug. 4 blast that gutted the city and flooding resulted from heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan.

Israelis took to the streets in force following the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old Israeli girl by a group of males last week, drawing widespread condemnation and angry accusations that the government must do more to prevent violence against women.

The gallery was curated by AP Middle East Deputy News Director for Photography & Storytelling Dusan Vranic and photographer Maya Alleruzzo.

A cat sits between rubble and debris of destroyed houses and buildings near the site of the Aug. 4 deadly blast in the port of Beirut that killed scores and wounded thousands in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP PhotoHassan Ammar)

A cat sits between rubble and debris of destroyed houses and buildings near the site of the Aug. 4 deadly blast in the port of Beirut that killed scores and wounded thousands in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP PhotoHassan Ammar)

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A man carries goods as he wades through flooded street after heavy monsoon rains, in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Pakistan's military said it will deploy rescue helicopters to Karachi to transport some 200 families to safety after canal waters flooded the city amid monsoon rains. (AP PhotoFareed Khan)

A man carries goods as he wades through flooded street after heavy monsoon rains, in Karachi, Pakistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Pakistan's military said it will deploy rescue helicopters to Karachi to transport some 200 families to safety after canal waters flooded the city amid monsoon rains. (AP PhotoFareed Khan)
An Israeli woman reacts during a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, following the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old Israeli girl by a group of males last week. The incident has drawn widespread condemnations and angry accusations that the government must do more to prevent violence against women. Police say some 11 suspects have been questioned. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

An Israeli woman reacts during a protest in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2020, following the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old Israeli girl by a group of males last week. The incident has drawn widespread condemnations and angry accusations that the government must do more to prevent violence against women. Police say some 11 suspects have been questioned. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

 55-year-old Egyptian farmer Makhluf Abu Kassem, center, sits with farmers under shade of a dried up palm tree surrounded by barren wasteland that was once fertile and green, in Second Village, Qouta town, Fayoum, Egypt, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Abu Kassem fears that a dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, the Nile's main tributary, could add to the severe water shortages already hitting his village if no deal is struck to ensure a continued flow of water. "The dam means our death," he said. (AP PhotoNariman El-Mofty)

55-year-old Egyptian farmer Makhluf Abu Kassem, center, sits with farmers under shade of a dried up palm tree surrounded by barren wasteland that was once fertile and green, in Second Village, Qouta town, Fayoum, Egypt, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Abu Kassem fears that a dam Ethiopia is building on the Blue Nile, the Nile's main tributary, could add to the severe water shortages already hitting his village if no deal is struck to ensure a continued flow of water. "The dam means our death," he said. (AP PhotoNariman El-Mofty)

 Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian man during a protest against the to expand Israeli settlements in the village of Khirbet Jubara near the West Bank city of Tulkarm, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoMajdi Mohammed)

Israeli soldiers detain a Palestinian man during a protest against the to expand Israeli settlements in the village of Khirbet Jubara near the West Bank city of Tulkarm, Thursday, Aug. 20, 2020. (AP PhotoMajdi Mohammed)

 People search for victims of a mudslide following heavy flooding in Parwan province, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Flooding in northern Afghanistan killed and injured dozens of people officials said Wednesday. (AP PhotoRahmat Gul)

People search for victims of a mudslide following heavy flooding in Parwan province, north of Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Flooding in northern Afghanistan killed and injured dozens of people officials said Wednesday. (AP PhotoRahmat Gul)
Contestants exercise backstage during the National Amateur Body Builders Association competition in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's competition was staged outdoors in Tel Aviv. The 85 participants were required to don protective masks in line with health codes. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

Contestants exercise backstage during the National Amateur Body Builders Association competition in Tel Aviv, Israel, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, this year's competition was staged outdoors in Tel Aviv. The 85 participants were required to don protective masks in line with health codes. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

 Orthodox nuns carry herbs and flowers after visiting the tomb where the Virgin Mary is believed to be buried, just outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City, at the end of a procession in which her icon was brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, early Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP PhotoMaya Alleruzzo)

Orthodox nuns carry herbs and flowers after visiting the tomb where the Virgin Mary is believed to be buried, just outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City, at the end of a procession in which her icon was brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, early Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. (AP PhotoMaya Alleruzzo)

 An Israeli juggler holds a model in the shape of the Star of David on a bridge during a protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)

An Israeli juggler holds a model in the shape of the Star of David on a bridge during a protest against Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020. (AP PhotoOded Balilty)