Truce talks hit wall, Israeli forces to remain in Gaza

Israel’s defence minister said on Wednesday that troops will remain in so-called security zones in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely, remarks that could further complicate talks with Hamas over a ceasefire and hostage release.

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A Hamas official said that any Gaza ceasefire deal must include a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

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

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

Israel has also refused to withdraw from some areas in Lebanon following a ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group last year, and it seized a buffer zone in southern Syria after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad in December.

The military “will remain in the security zones in any situation in Gaza — as in Lebanon and Syria”. PM Netanyahu has said Israel will implement US proposal for the resettlement of much of Gaza's population in other countries.