Israel Intensifies Gaza Strikes After Iran Ceasefire, Citing Hamas Rearmament

Israel has significantly increased its military operations in Gaza in the weeks following its ceasefire with Iran, with Israeli officials claiming that Hamas is rebuilding its military capabilities and rearming fighters inside the enclave.

According to Reuters and regional reports, Israeli airstrikes and artillery attacks have surged since the Iran truce took effect in April, shifting the focus of military operations back to Gaza after weeks of broader regional conflict involving Iran and its allies.

The Israeli military said intelligence assessments indicate Hamas has been regrouping, restoring command structures, and attempting to replenish weapons stockpiles during the relative lull in fighting. Israeli defense officials argue the renewed strikes are aimed at preventing the group from regaining operational strength.

Health authorities in Gaza say the intensified attacks have led to rising civilian casualties, with reports indicating that at least 120 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed since the Iran ceasefire began. Conflict monitoring group ACLED also reported a sharp increase in Israeli military activity in Gaza compared to previous weeks.

The renewed escalation comes despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement reached last year intended to halt nearly two years of devastating war and pave the way for reconstruction and hostage negotiations. However, implementation of key parts of the agreement has stalled, with both Israel and Hamas accusing each other of repeated violations.

Israeli forces continue to maintain control over large parts of Gaza, while much of the territory remains heavily damaged and millions of Palestinians displaced. Israeli strikes in recent days have also targeted Hamas-linked police and security infrastructure, which Israel says are being used to support militant operations.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to preserve the fragile truce appear increasingly strained. International mediators, including the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, are reportedly continuing talks aimed at preventing a full collapse of the ceasefire and securing the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza.

The escalation highlights growing fears that the conflict could again spiral into a wider regional crisis, even after the temporary easing of tensions between Israel and Iran.