Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the population of Gaza will be displaced to the south after his security cabinet approved an expanded military operation in the enclave that a minister described as a plan to “conquer” the territory.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — 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.

After Israel announced plans to fully occupy Gaza indefinitely, human rights groups voice concerns over civilian safety.