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 major groups currently running aid operations in Gaza, briefed by Israel on the plans, said they would not cooperate with the plans.

What's Left to Bomb?' Israel's Plan to Expand Campaign Strikes Fear Into Gazans By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) - Israel's plan to expand its Gaza offensive, displace people within the enclave and take control of aid distribution has horrified Gazans who have already suffered multiple displacements and food shortages during 19 months of conflict.