Gaza strikes kill eight as Qatari gas ship takes damage in Gulf

Eight people died in Israeli military strikes on Gaza on Sunday, according to local health authorities. The attacks included a five-person kill in Khan Younis and three deaths in Gaza City, among them a four-year-old boy.

Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported receiving five bodies from a strike in that southern city. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported three fatalities and a seriously wounded woman from a separate strike in the north. The Israeli military stated it targeted several militants in Khan Younis and one Hamas fighter in northern Gaza.

The conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas-led forces attacked southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. A ceasefire established in October 2025 has reduced major fighting, but strikes continue. Gaza's Health Ministry counts more than 1,570 deaths since the truce began, raising the war's total toll to over 74,500.

The ministry, which operates under Hamas, does not separate civilian and combatant deaths in its counts. Israel maintains its strikes target military assets and accuses Hamas of using civilians as shields.

In the Persian Gulf, Qatar's state-owned liquefied natural gas carrier Al Mayeda reported damage on Friday night. Nakilat, the operator, said the ship was struck by "unidentified objects" while in the Gulf. The company stated no crew members were injured and there was no environmental impact, with the vessel remaining operational.

Nakilat did not identify the source of the impact. Iran has previously claimed attacks on ships and warned that vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz without permission could be destroyed. Qatar's foreign ministry condemned the incident, stating it threatens regional security, stability, and marine life. The ministry said authorities are investigating the event and the responsible parties.

In Yemen, the United Nations called for an investigation into the death of Mohammad el Shami, a human rights office staffer. El Shami had been held by Iran-backed Houthi rebels since June 2024. U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the Houthis failed to provide proof of life or information on his well-being despite repeated requests. El Shami is the second U.N. employee to die in Houthi custody, following a World Food Program worker in February 2025.

Houthi forces also reported two airstrikes on the University of Hodeida on Sunday. The group blamed Saudi Arabia for hitting the university's medical school. The port city of Hodeida has faced repeated attacks since fighting escalated between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces. No immediate casualty figures were available for the university strikes.

Iran designated the British Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and MI6 as hostile entities on Sunday. State-run media reported the Foreign Ministry accused the U.K. of supporting U.S. and Israeli attacks by providing military bases and logistical support. The designation could allow Iran to prosecute individuals linked to MI6 under its own law.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Donald Blome said the United States remains open to negotiations with Iran while preparing for other options. Speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, Blome stated that negotiation channels are active but the U.S. is prepared to act if necessary. He said the region and global economy cannot be held hostage by Iran.