Israeli troops will remain in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely – minister

Belfast Telegraph - 16/04
Israel’s defence minister has said troops will remain in so-called security zones in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely.

The remarks by Israel Katz could further complicate talks with Hamas over a ceasefire and hostage release.

Mr Katz said Israeli forces “will remain in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and (Israeli) communities in any temporary or permanent situation in Gaza – as in Lebanon and Syria”.

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He said: “Unlike in the past, the (Israeli military) is not evacuating areas that have been cleared and seized.”

On Wednesday, Israeli strikes across Gaza killed another 22 people, according to local health officials, including a girl who was not yet one year old.

The girl’s mother, who was injured in the strike, embraced her daughter, still wearing a bloodied blue and white dress, before she was taken for burial.

Israeli forces have taken over more than half of Gaza in recent weeks in a renewed campaign to pressure Hamas to release hostages after Israel ended their ceasefire last month.

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