Israel says it intends to permanently occupy Gaza and parts of Lebanon and Syria
A relative kisses the body of Ahlam Seiam, who was just days away from her first birthday when she was killed by an overnight Israeli air strike on her home, before her funeral in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, April 16, 2025
ISRAELI troops will remain indefinitely in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria, Defence Minister Israel Katz said today, and continue to occupy so-called security zones.
Tel Aviv’s forces have taken over more than half of Gaza in a renewed invasion after Israel ended a ceasefire last month.
Israel has also refused to withdraw from some areas in Lebanon following a ceasefire with Hezbollah last year. In addition, it seized a buffer zone in southern Syria after rebels overthrew president Bashar al-Assad in December.
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