Wildfire smoke worsens air quality in major Canadian cities
Wildfire smoke from northern Ontario and the Prairies caused poor air quality and restricted visibility in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal on Friday. Environment Canada issued specific air quality warnings, advising individuals who are vulnerable to avoid outdoor activities and seek medical attention if symptoms develop, according to Associated Press.
Meteorologist David Phillips told that wildfire activity is increasing nationwide, significantly impacting air quality. “Only a few see the flames, but millions smell the smoke,” he noted.
According to IQAir, Toronto recorded the second-worst air quality in the world Friday afternoon, Associated Press reported.
Houthis claim missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport
The Houthi group in Yemen said it launched a hypersonic ballistic missile at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on Thursday in retaliation for Israeli actions in Beirut and Gaza. Israel said the missile was intercepted.
Israel remained silent after the Houthis claimed two drone attacks on the airport a day earlier.
Since November 2023, Iran-backed Houthis have used drones and missiles to attack Israel in support of the Palestinians. Israeli defense systems have stopped the majority of attacks, according to Al Jazeera.
Thailand warns of military action over border tensions with Cambodia
Thailand’s military has declared readiness for a “high-level operation” in response to rising tensions with Cambodia over a disputed border area. The statement follows intelligence reports suggesting Cambodia has increased its military presence along the shared frontier.
The Thai army stated that it intends to prevent escalation but is fully prepared to preserve national sovereignty if required. Troops have been instructed to maintain vigilance and ensure that all equipment is operating, according to Al Jazeera.
A closed-door conference of Thailand's top military officers is slated for Friday, and all armed forces have increased battle preparedness.
UN warns of surge in acute malnutrition among Gaza’s young children
The UN says that child malnutrition in Gaza has almost tripled since February, with more than 2,700 cases found in May alone. Over 16,500 kids under five have needed medical care this year, and many of them were in serious condition.
Only four centres remain to treat severe cases, and some have shut down due to fighting. The WHO says Gaza's health system is falling apart and asks that its last big hospitals be protected. Health workers and UN experts say that Israeli attacks on hospitals are making life harder and harder for Palestinians, according to UN News.
