The day of the expanding Gaza toll and Iran's strait ultimatum

The day opened with renewed Israeli strikes on Gaza, killing three and expanding the 'yellow zone' in al-Zaytoun. By morning, the toll rose to four, then five, as editors updated headlines throughout the day, with the cumulative death count reaching 73,250. The assassination of a Hamas military official was reported alongside an investigation into Israel's chaotic return of bodies. Simultaneously, Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab dominated regional coverage, with reports of US strikes on Qeshm Island and Iranian retaliation against American bases. In the West Bank, settler attacks and raids continued, while Israel allocated a billion shekels for settlement roads. A historic US Congress vote shaking consensus on Israel and leaked files on Morocco's use of Israeli Pegasus spyware rounded out the day's editorial priorities.