Gaza strikes kill eight; Qatar vessel hit in Gulf

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed eight people on Sunday, including a four-year-old boy, according to hospital officials. In the southern city of Khan Younis, a strike hit a location that Nasser Hospital said resulted in five deaths. The bodies were transported to the facility. A separate strike in Gaza City killed three people and seriously wounded a woman, as reported by Shifa Hospital.

The Israeli military stated that its forces targeted several militants in Khan Younis. It also confirmed a strike on a Hamas militant in northern Gaza. The conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas-led groups attacked southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. A ceasefire took effect in October 2025, halting major combat operations, though Israeli strikes continue with near-daily frequency.

Gaza’s Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, reported that more than 1,570 Palestinians have died since the truce began. This adds to an overall death toll of more than 74,500 since the war started. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and militants. Israel maintains that its strikes target military objectives and accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields.

In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels reported two airstrikes on the University of Hodeida on Sunday. The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV channel said Saudi Arabia was responsible for the attacks, which hit the university’s medical school. No immediate casualty figures were released. The port city of Hodeida has faced repeated attacks since fighting intensified between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces months ago, re-igniting Yemen’s civil war.

Qatar’s liquefied natural gas shipping company, Nakilat, announced on Sunday that one of its vessels was struck in the Persian Gulf. The company, officially known as Qatar Gas Transport Co., identified the ship as the Al Mayeda. It reported that the carrier sustained damage from unidentified objects on Friday night. No crew members were injured, and the company stated there was no environmental impact. The vessel remained operational.

Nakilat did not specify which entity fired the objects. Iran has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on shipping and warned that vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission could face destruction. Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the incident and said authorities were investigating the cause and responsibility. The ministry noted that such attacks risk regional security, stability, and marine life.

The United Nations called for an investigation into the death of a human rights staffer held by Houthi rebels. Mohammad el Shami was the second UN employee to die in Houthi custody. A World Food Program worker died in similar circumstances in February 2025. UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said late Saturday that Shami had been held since June 2024. Dujarric noted that the Houthis provided no information on his well-being or proof of life despite repeated requests.

Iran designated Britain’s Royal Navy and Royal Air Force as terrorist organizations on Sunday. State-run news agency IRNA reported that Iran also declared the MI6 foreign intelligence service a hostile entity. The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused the United Kingdom of participating in US-Israeli military attacks by providing military bases and logistical support. The designation could expose individuals working with MI6 to prosecution under Iranian law and may increase the risk of military confrontation.

Donald Blome, the US assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, spoke at the Manama Dialogue security forum in Bahrain on Sunday. He said the US has extended a hand in negotiations to Iran but remains prepared for other options. Blome stated that negotiation channels remain open and active. He added that the US cannot allow Iran to take the region and the global economy hostage.