Israeli Air Force acrobatic team T-6 Texan II planes perform Thursday during a graduation ceremony for new pilots in the Hatzerim air force base near the city of Beersheba, southern Israel. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Shoppers make their way through the Eaton Centre on Thursday as they visit the Boxing Day sales in Toronto. Boxing Day, observed in Canada, the United Kingdom, and other Commonwealth nations on the day after Christmas, is primarily known as a shopping holiday, much like Black Friday in the United States. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Karen Gibbs walks through a labyrinth of icy broken trees and downed power lines Thursday to her home on Maplehurst Drive in Belgrade, Maine, where parts of the state’s interior remain without electricity. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A French soldier wipes his brow during an operation Thursday to secure a section of the Miskine neighborhood, in Bangui, Central African Republic. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Polar swimmers take part Thursday in a traditional Christmas swim in the Vltava river in Prague, Czech Republic. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A Thai antigovernment protester throws a tear gas canister back at riot police during a clash at a sport stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. Rock-throwing protesters trying to halt preparations for elections fought police in the Thai capital on Thursday, escalating their campaign to topple the country’s beleaguered government. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Manchester United’s Chris Smalling, top center left, scores against Hull City during their English Premier League soccer match at the KC Stadium, Hull, England. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Pakistanis enjoy boat rides following Christmas celebrations in Islamabad, Pakistan. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Indians offer milk during a prayer ceremony Thursday to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the 2004 tsunami, on Marina beach, in Chennai, India. The tsunami triggered by a an earthquake of 9.1 magnitude that killed tens of thousands in 12 Indian Ocean nations. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS