Heatwave kills 1,300 in Europe & rising war concerns
Today's news is dominated by a deadly heatwave in Europe and a sharp escalation of conflicts in both the Middle East and Ukraine. At the same time, several serious aviation accidents with many fatalities are reported in France and Saudi Arabia.
The heatwave that has swept across Europe has caused over 1,300 deaths during the past week, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The figure highlights the health risks that the extreme weather poses to residents and travelers in the region.
In the Middle East, tensions have increased after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard – an elite force within Iran's defense – attacked eight American targets with missiles and drones. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes are reported in southern Lebanon, despite an agreement reached with the Lebanese government just two days ago.
The war in Ukraine has also intensified overnight. Russia has once again attacked the capital, Kyiv, with ballistic missiles (long-range weapons), leading to several explosions. In response, President Zelenskyy states that Ukraine has hit two Russian oil refineries in targeted attacks.
Finally, two severe accidents have claimed many lives. In Saudi Arabia, 14 people died when a helicopter crashed, and in northeastern France, eleven people died after a small plane carrying skydivers crashed.
Read more in the app about arrests during Pride in Istanbul and the situation for migrants in South Africa.