Israel Escalates Gaza Attacks Post-Iran Truce

Israel has significantly escalated its attacks in Gaza Strip in the five weeks since pausing its joint bombing campaign with the United States in Iran. This redirection of military focus is driven by intelligence suggesting that Hamas is tightening its grip, rebuilding its forces, and manufacturing weapons within the Palestinian enclave. The Gaza Health Ministry reports 120 Palestinian deaths since April 8, a 20% increase compared to the preceding five weeks. Conflict monitor ACLED also noted a 35% increase in Israeli attacks in April compared to March. This escalation highlights the stalled progress of Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza Strip, which aimed to halt the war and initiate reconstruction. Israeli forces continue to occupy over half of Gaza Strip, leading to widespread destruction and displacement of over 2 million people. Since an October ceasefire, 850 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, while four Israeli soldiers have died. Recent Israeli strikes have specifically targeted Hamas-run police forces, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 officers. Concurrently, Israel has also been engaged in a separate ground invasion and air campaign in Lebanon against the Iran-aligned Hezbollah, though fighting there has slowed under a separate U.S.-brokered ceasefire.