Pakistan, Israel-Palestine, Tunisia.

Today's three stories you should know.

Feb 08, 2024

Hi everyone,

Want to take a second before we dive into today's stories to recommend a newsletter from some friends of Proximities. Semafor delivers the biggest news stories from around the world in a comprehensive, stylish newsletter. Expect talent-first reporting, rich insights and global perspectives in your inbox, daily. Sign up for Semafor Flagship Newsletter here.

Barry.

Pakistan

This is a hugely significant story and one to keep a close eye on. Officials started counting votes in Pakistan today after a general election marred by militant attacks, internet shutdowns and the not insignificant fact that Imran Khan, the former prime minister and leader of one of the country’s biggest parties, is in jail. The contest is essentially a two-way race between Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the Pakistan Muslim League of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is backed by the country’s powerful and influential military. At the time of writing, though, reporting is emerging from Pakistan which suggests that the PTI, against all the odds, has taken the lead. Al Jazeera is running a live blog as counting continues.

Israel-Palestine

Israeli forces today bombed the city of Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population are penned in up against the Egyptian border. More than one million people are living in miserable conditions with little food and many of them are seeking shelter in makeshift tents. Residents fear a full-scale ground assault on the city is imminent. White House spokesperson John Kirby said a ground war in Rafah would be "a disaster" and that the US “would not support it.” Aid agencies are warning of a humanitarian catastrophe in the city should an assault go ahead.

Tunisia

At least 13 Sudanese are confirmed dead and 27 missing after their boat sank off the coast of Tunisia, according to officials. An official in the coastal city of Monastir said that 42 people were on the boat in total and that two were rescued. Sudan’s underreported war, now in its 10th month, has sparked a massive humanitarian crisis and more than 1.5 million people are estimated to have fled the country. Tunisia and Libya are the main departure points for refugees and migrants trying to reach Europe.