The Israeli army reported on Tuesday that 24 soldiers were killed in Gaza the previous day, marking the largest single-day toll since the initiation of its ground operation on October 27. The fatalities occurred mostly when rocket-propelled grenade fire targeted a tank and a building during an attempt to destroy them. The soldiers killed included several reservists.
The incident underscores the intense combat in the southern Gaza Strip, occurring amidst negotiations aimed at securing a pause in hostilities between Israel and Hamas. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that Israeli forces targeted its headquarters in Khan Yunis, resulting in injuries among internally displaced individuals.
Also Read: US Urges Israel To Cease Gaza Attacks, Fearing Regional Conflict
Meanwhile, the United Nations agencies and aid groups are expressing concern about the growing threat of disease and famine in Gaza, where over 1.7 million people have been displaced from their homes. The Israeli offensive against Hamas in Gaza has reportedly resulted in the death of 25,295 people, according to the health ministry.
Amidst these developments, the caretaker federal cabinet in Pakistan approved the deployment of Pakistan Army and civil armed forces troops to ensure the peaceful conduct of general elections on February 8, acting on the recommendation of the Interior Ministry. The decision aims to deploy forces at sensitive constituencies and polling stations, also acting as a rapid response force. The Election Commission of Pakistan had previously requested the federal government for military deployment during the upcoming elections. The caretaker cabinet also discussed proposals for the restructuring and digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), emphasizing the importance of an inter-ministerial committee for reforms and praising the efforts of the caretaker finance minister for enhancing tax revenue and presenting detailed FBR reform proposals.
