Israel Intensifies Gaza Operations After Iran Pause

Israel has intensified airstrikes and other military operations in the Gaza Strip over the past five weeks since pausing joint operations with the United States against Iran on April 8, 2026, according to the Gaza Health Ministry and conflict monitoring group ACLED.

The ministry reported 120 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the pause, including eight women and 13 children, marking a 20 percent increase compared to the previous five weeks when Israeli forces focused on Iran. ACLED documented a 35 percent rise in Israeli attacks during April compared to March, with roughly 30 incidents targeting Hamas militants, other armed groups, police stations, security checkpoints and personnel. At least 14 members of the Hamas-run police force have been killed since April 14, health and police officials said. Shelling, drone strikes and gunfire have also occurred near the armistice line.

Four Israeli defense officials told Reuters that the military had recently warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government of Hamas rebuilding its forces, producing weapons and consolidating control in parts of Gaza. An additional Israeli military official, speaking anonymously, stated that the...