Friends and family mourn Israeli military reservist Sergeant First Class Hadar Kapeluk, 23, who was killed in the southern Gaza Strip amid the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at his funeral at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem, January 23, 2024. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun
Twenty-four Israeli soldiers lost their lives on Tuesday, marking the most devastating day for Israel in terms of casualties in Gaza, as confirmed by the military. Simultaneously, the White House reported active discussions by its envoy to facilitate the release of hostages and secure a humanitarian pause.
Following the disclosure of the death toll from two separate incidents, Israeli officials underscored the unchanged objectives in their conflict against the Palestinian Hamas movement governing Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, acknowledging the day as one of the “most difficult” since the outbreak of hostilities, pledged relentless pursuit of victory in honor of fallen heroes.
Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy emphasized a refusal to agree to a ceasefire allowing Hamas to retain power and hostages in Gaza, citing the militant group’s cross-border actions on October 7, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 Israelis. Palestinian health authorities reported a toll of at least 195 Palestinians within the past 24 hours, bringing the documented death count from Israeli air strikes and shelling to 25,490, with additional casualties feared under the rubble.
The tragic loss of soldiers coincided with the launch of the Israeli military’s most extensive operation in a month, aimed at securing remaining parts of Khan Younis, Gaza’s primary southern city, accommodating displaced Palestinians.
In efforts to mediate a potential temporary ceasefire and release hostages, Qatar’s foreign ministry engaged in serious discussions with both parties. White House spokesperson John Kirby affirmed the active involvement of U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk in Cairo, focusing on securing the release of hostages and establishing a humanitarian pause. Discussions reportedly revolved around determining the duration of a combat pause required for hostage evacuation.
Egypt’s armed forces highlighted discussions between Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki and McGurk, emphasizing the importance of concerted efforts to calm the situation and safeguard civilian lives.
Families of hostages, advocating for their release since October 7, intensified their pleas, with former hostage Aviva Siegel addressing the Israeli parliament about the urgent need for change.
Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reported 21 soldiers killed when buildings, mined for demolition, exploded after militants targeted a nearby tank. An additional three soldiers lost their lives in a separate attack. Funerals across Israel mourned the fallen soldiers.
Advancing Israeli tanks blocked the road from Khan Younis to the Mediterranean coast, hindering civilians’ escape to Rafah, the southernmost town on Gaza’s border with Egypt.
The blockade of hospitals by advancing Israeli forces, according to Palestinian officials, impedes the rescue of the dead and wounded. Hospitals face challenges in remaining operational, with reports of gunfire hitting the main building of Khan Younis’ Nasser hospital. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini expressed concern about the plight of staff, patients, and displaced individuals in the few remaining hospitals in Khan Younis amid heavy fighting.
As night fell, an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia, northern Gaza, claimed seven Palestinian lives, according to health officials.
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