Israel’s defense minister says IDF troops will remain in security zones in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely. This further complicating talks with Hamas over a ceasefire and hostage release. So far 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 Hezbollah last year.