The World This Hour - The World This Hour for 2025/08/21 at 09:00 EDT

Episode Date: August 21, 2025

The World This Hour for 2025/08/21 at 09:00 EDT

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Israel says it has launched the initial phase of its military offensive on gaza city Israeli troops have already established a foothold on the outskirts as hundreds of Palestinians flee their neighborhoods Margaret evans reports Israeli strikes in the early hours of the morning. A spokesman for the Israel Defence Forces says Israeli troops already control the city's outskirts and call-up notices have been issued to 60,000 reservists for an operation expected to begin in earnest in September. The UN Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez added his voice to those warning of catastrophic implications for Palestinian civilians.

civilians. It is vital to avoid the massive deaths and destruction that a military operation against Gaza City would inevitably cause. The Israeli decision, which it says is aimed at rooting out what remains of Hamas and rescuing hostages, has dampened optimism that a 60-day ceasefire might be agreed. Margaret Evans, CBC News, Jerusalem. German police have arrested a Ukrainian citizen suspected of damaging the Nord Stream pipeline system. The underwater pipelines deliver Russian natural gas to Germany, and they were damaged by a series of explosion three years ago shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. A suspect was taken into custody in Italy. The Ukrainian government has long denied any involvement in the targeting of the pipelines.

It's a potentially deadly tick-borne illness known as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. And while for years it has been predominantly found in the southern U.S., it has now crossed the border into Canada. Jela Bernstein has more. Don't stop enjoying the Great Outdoors, but do take precautions. That's the advice of McGill University biologist, Virginie Millien. Proper closing. Then when will you get back home, tick check.

Human-driven climate change means ticks. are surviving farther north, and Lyme disease isn't the only threat they carry. This week, a case of Rocky Mountain spotted fever was reported in Quebec. Doctors suspect that infection was picked up in southern Ontario or Quebec's eastern townships. This is sadly not surprising. Dr. Isaac Bogosh is an infectious diseases specialist with Toronto General Hospital. It's a very serious infection, and it can result in death if it's not identified quickly and treated quickly. The signs of Rocky Mountain spotted fever are right in the name. Fever, headache, nausea, and a rash, usually pinpoint spots or red splotches. Jela Bernstein, CBC News, Montreal.

A Halifax organization is preparing seniors for the dangers that accompany the arrival of any natural disaster. And the timing is right, considering Hurricane Aaron is approaching, and the region is in the midst of an ongoing wildfire emergency. Olivia Piercy reports. Most of us in my building are using wheelchair, scooters, or walk with a cane, so for them to know, you know, what's going on and how to protect themselves. Joan Curtis is one of about 40 seniors who attended a free disaster readiness course in Halifax this week. She says she's concerned about climate emergencies and wants to be prepared. Kathleen Reed organized the event. I think over the last few years, our seniors have gone through emergency.

or had loved ones involved in them, and it's made them go, wait, I'm not ready. At the seminar, participants came up with action plans for hypothetical scenarios, like evacuations, floods, and power outages. Attendees left with their own emergency kits, which included flashlights, can openers, and first aid supplies. They were told to add medication lists and copies of important documents once they got home. Olivia Piercy, CBC News, Halifax. And that is the world this hour. For news any time, go to our website, cbcnews.ca.ca.

For CBC News, I'm Joe Cynes.