


MIDDLE EAST
Israeli official: Troops will stay indefinitely

NASHAT SEIAM, SECOND FROM RIGHT, JOINS RELATIVES AND FRIENDS IN PRAYER OVER THE BODY OF HIS GRANDDAUGHTER AHLAM, WHO WAS JUST DAYS AWAY FROM HER FIRST BIRTHDAY, DURING HER FUNERAL AFTER SHE WAS KILLED BY AN OVERNIGHT ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE ON HER HOME IN KHAN YOUNIS, SOUTHERN GAZA STRIP, ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025,.(AP PHOTO/MARIAM DAGGA)
The defense minister’s remarks could further complicate talks with Hamas over a ceasefire and hostage release. PAGE A8