Israel steps up attacks on Gaza

Israel has escalated its attacks in Gaza in the five ​weeks since halting its joint bombing with the U.S. in Iran, redirecting its fire back on the ruined Palestinian enclave where the military ‌believes Hamas fighters are tightening their grip. ​Israel had carried out 35% more attacks in April than in March.

The increase in Israeli strikes on Gaza is a further sign of stalled ​progress under U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to halt the war there and begin reconstruction. The agreement reached last October halted major fighting in Gaza after two years ‌of war ⁠between Israel and Hamas. But steps have faltered to reach a permanent settlement that would withdraw Israeli troops, disarm the militants and allow the ruined enclave to be rebuilt. Since Israel joined the United States in bombing Iran ​in March, its military has operated at a relentless pace, also launching a ground invasion and air campaign in Lebanon against the Iran-aligned Hezbollah movement. Fighting there has slowed but not halted under ​a separate U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

The Israeli military did not immediately provide comment on the reasons for its stepped-up strikes in Gaza. But four Israeli defence officials have told Reuters that the military had warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government in recent weeks that Hamas has been tightening its grip, rebuilding its forces and making weapons. Another Israeli military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Gaza ​ceasefire allows for Israel to act against imminent threats. The official said the military was prepared for any scenario, including having drawn up wider battle plans ​for a resumption of fighting in Gaza, though no such order had yet been given.