The strike hit an area hosting tents for displaced people, while the Israeli military stated that the operation was a precise attack directed against multiple Hamas commanders.

Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for Gaza's civil defence agency, said that at least six individuals were killed in the raid on the fishermen's port. Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported receiving five bodies initially alongside 13 injured victims, with one additional person succumbing to their injuries later that evening. Eyewitness Mohammed Alghoul added that Israeli warplanes fired two missiles at the "Sweet and Bitter" café located at the port west of the city.

The Israeli army maintained that it carried out a "precise aerial strike" against "several Hamas commanders" who were allegedly planning attacks against Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operating within the Gaza Strip.

The incident occurred a day after White House envoy Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During the meeting, Netanyahu reiterated his stance that any withdrawal of the Israeli army remains contingent on the complete disarmament of Hamas. Meanwhile, Hamas—whose leader Khalil al-Hayya met with Kushner on Sunday—has stated its commitment to the US-sponsored peace plan while urging Washington to pressure Netanyahu into complying with its framework.