DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — An Israeli plan to seize the Gaza Strip and expand the military operation has alarmed many in the region. Palestinians are exhausted and hopeless, pummeled by 19 months of heavy bombing. Families of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza are terrified that the possibility of a ceasefire is slipping further away.

The United Nations and its partners have condemned the proposals by Israel, which has been barring deliveries of food and medicine for months.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation would be "intensive" and would see more Palestinians in Gaza moved "for their own safety."