May 13, 2026
Israel intensifies Gaza attacks after Iran ceasefireintensifies Gaza attacks after Iran ceasefire, citing Hamas rearmament
Israeli military operations in Gaza have increased by 35 percent since a US-Israel-Iran ceasefire took effect on April 8, with 120 Palestinians killed including civilians, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health.
Israel says the escalation targets Hamas militants who are rearming, though reports indicate strikes have also struck areas near the armistice line affecting civilians.
The uptick marks a significant shift in military focus following the pause in direct Iran operations.
Israeli Military Position
Israel maintains that increased operations are necessary to prevent Hamas from rebuilding military capacity during the ceasefire period. The military distinguishes between strikes on militant positions and incidents affecting civilians, framing the operations as defensive measures against an adversary actively rearming.
Palestinian and International Humanitarian Perspective
Observers and Palestinian health officials characterize the 35 percent increase as a concerning escalation that contradicts the spirit of the ceasefire and disproportionately harms civilians. They argue that shelling and drone strikes near populated areas inevitably cause civilian casualties regardless of stated military targets.
- Hamas was founded as an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood and initially focused on social services before developing a military wing.
- The Gaza Strip, roughly 25 miles long and 6 miles wide, is one of the world's most densely populated territories with over 2 million residents.
US-Iran-Israel War
US, Israeli, and Iranian forces remain in a direct military confrontation that has spread across the Gulf, with the Strait of Hormuz and regional energy infrastructure at the center of the conflict.
