Fighting has intensified in southern Gaza.

Khan Younis

The Story

Fighting has intensified in southern Gaza.

What happened?

Yesterday, Palestinian officials said the Israeli military pushed further into Khan Younis — Gaza’s second largest city. Officials in Gaza reported Israeli troops surrounding hospitals, using heavy gunfire, and arresting medical staff. Hospitals have become a focal point of the war as doctors operate without anesthesia and thousands seek refuge in them. Half of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are no longer functioning, according to WHO's director-general. In the past, Israel has said Hamas used hospitals like al-Shifa as command centers with tunnels underneath — which Hamas has denied. So far, Israel hasn’t commented on the situation in Khan Younis. As the fighting in Gaza continues, there are questions about a cease-fire and the release of hostages.

What’s the latest?

Yesterday, family members of Israeli hostages stormed Israel’s parliament and demanded the government do more to secure the release of their loved ones. This comes as the IDF reported an incident in Gaza yesterday that claimed the lives of 21 soldiers, making it the deadliest attack on Israel since the start of the war. The protests come as hostage and cease-fire talks between Hamas and Israel are still at an impasse. Israel has reportedly proposed a two-month long cease-fire as part of a multi-phase deal that includes the release of the hostages remaining in Gaza. The Israeli government is reportedly waiting on a response from Hamas, which has previously called for a permanent cease-fire. Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he would reject any peace plan that involves Palestinian sovereignty — a proposal the US and EU support.

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The Israel-Hamas war has killed more than 25,000 Palestinians in Gaza and more than 1,200 people in Israel, according to the latest death tolls. Now, many hope that growing international pressure will lead to an agreement that'll stop the fighting and bring the remaining hostages home.

CORRECTION: The Jan. 22 edition of the Daily Skimm incorrectly stated that a deal is being worked on to secure the release of over 100 hostages “believed to be taken from Israel.” We meant to refer to the number of hostages still believed to be held in Gaza. We sincerely regret the error.

The 2024 presidential election's next contest kicks off today in New Hampshire. On the Dem side, there are concerns of AI interference with robocalls imitating President Biden and urging primary voters to stay home. Meanwhile, OpenAI suspended a developer who made a bot that impersonated a Biden challenger. 

On the GOP side, the race is now a one-on-one showdown between former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley and former President Trump. While Trump won in Iowa and is still leading in NH polls, Haley may be closing in, with one poll showing the two candidates tied. It comes as Haley’s been spending more than $26 million in state ads alone, pitching herself to independent voters. Stay tuned for tonight’s results in tomorrow’s newsletter.

What can be removed for now…

Razor wire. Yesterday, the Supreme Court allowed Border Patrol agents to remove barbed wire along parts of the US-Mexico border. The 5-4 ruling sided with the Biden administration, which has been disputing Texas’ border policy in the courts. Texas officials put up the razor wire as a way to keep migrants from illegally crossing the border. But the Biden admin argued the wire has made it more difficult for federal agents to do their job, including apprehending migrants and responding to emergency situations like drownings. Now, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) is vowing to “defend Texas' constitutional authority to secure the border” after the high court’s ruling.

Where there’s controversy…

India. Yesterday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an unfinished temple for a Hindu god, prompting accusations that he’s stirring religious tensions. Hindus and Muslims have long contested the temple’s holy site, which was once home to a historic mosque. In 1992, a Hindu mob destroyed the mosque during nationwide riots that killed about 2,000 people — most of them Muslims. India’s Hindus say the site is the birthplace of Lord Ram and was holy to them before Muslims built the mosque. Now, many say the temple is a move toward establishing Hindu supremacy in India and that Modi's using it for political gain ahead of elections in the spring.

What's getting backlash…

Kyte Baby. Over the weekend, the CEO of the baby clothing company apologized for denying an adoptive mother’s request to work remotely while her baby was in the NICU. Marissa Hughes' premature baby boy was being treated nine hours away from the family's home. Kyte Baby said they could only accommodate Hughes for two weeks as part of their maternity leave policy, and that she would be fired if she didn’t return to work. Hughes shared her story and the internet rallied behind her. The CEO, who made the call on Hughes’ request, said she was “insensitive” and “selfish” and offered to continue paying Hughes as if she were working remotely while she takes time to be with her baby.

What's saying ‘class is back in session’…

The California State University system. Yesterday, it reached a tentative deal with the union representing thousands of professors, lecturers, and staff to raise wages. The agreement ended less than a day of the largest university faculty strike in US history.

…Oh and speaking of taking action, NYC Mayor Eric Adams (D) announced the city is knocking out more than $2 billion in medical debt for up to half a million New Yorkers in a program launching this year.

Where the worst is yet to come…

The Razzies.

While Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) got down on one knee…

Jennifer Hudson and Common are talking about romance.

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