Israeli attacks on Gaza kill at least nine people

Israeli strikes in Gaza claimed the lives of eight individuals, including a four-year-old boy. The southern city of Khan Younis witnessed a strike that resulted in five deaths, according to Nasser Hospital. Another strike in Gaza City left three casualties, including the young boy, and severely injured a woman, as reported by Shifa Hospital.

The Israeli military reported targeting militants in Khan Younis and one Hamas militant in northern Gaza. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants invaded southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and abducting 251 individuals. Since the October 2025 ceasefire, Israel has been conducting frequent strikes, resulting in over 1,570 Palestinian deaths and a total toll exceeding 74,500.

The Palestinian Health Ministry, which is controlled by Hamas, does not differentiate between civilians and militants in their casualty count. Israel contends that the strikes target militant strongholds and accuses Hamas of employing civilians as shields. Qatar’s liquefied natural gas carrier, Nakilat, reported that its vessel, named Al Mayeda, was struck by "unidentified objects" in the Persian Gulf.

Despite sustaining damage, the crew remained unharmed and the vessel continued to operate. The incident's perpetrator remains unidentified. The U.N. has called for an inquiry following the death of Mohammad el Shami, a staff member of the U.N. Human Rights Office. El Shami had been detained by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels since June 2024, with the group providing no updates on his well-being or confirmation of life despite multiple U.N. inquiries.

El Shami was the second U.N. personnel to perish in Houthi custody; a World Food Program worker also met a similar fate in February 2025. Iran has labeled Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organizations and declared the British MI6 intelligence service a hostile entity. This move could potentially lead to legal actions against British nationals and escalate the risk of military conflict between the two nations.

The U.S. State Department official, Donald Blome, stated that the U.S. has extended a hand for negotiations with Iran but remains prepared for alternative measures. Blome emphasized that the United States cannot permit Iran to dominate the region and global economy.