Israel's cabinet has approved a full military occupation of Gaza, sparking fears of displacement among Palestinians aljazeera.com

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As Israel signals plans to expand its ground offensive and reoccupy parts of Gaza, Palestinians are condemning the move as an act of "collective punishment" and an effort to forcibly reshape the enclave’s demographic and political future.

"We Will Not Leave": Fear and Defiance in Gaza
Residents interviewed across Gaza say Israel’s military strategy prioritizes territorial control over diplomatic solutions, raising fears of mass displacement. Many Palestinians expressed alarm over reports of depopulation efforts, worried they may never return to their homes if forced into southern Gaza or beyond.

"Israel isn’t just targeting Hamas—it’s targeting all of us," said Um Youssef, a mother of four sheltering in Der Balora. "They want Gaza empty."

Military Tactics and Humanitarian Crisis
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the campaign as necessary to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities. But Palestinians and regional observers accuse Israel of employing broader tactics—including aid restrictions and expanded ground operations—to systematically squeeze civilians.

With humanitarian supplies dwindling and bombardment intensifying, the UN warns of catastrophic conditions. Yet amid the desperation, social media channels reveal a defiant undercurrent, with hashtags like #WeWillNotLeave trending among Gazans vowing to remain.

A Test of Resilience
"The world thinks we’ll flee, but this is our land," said Ahmed, a teacher in Gaza City. "They can destroy our buildings, but not our resolve."

As international pressure mounts for a ceasefire, analysts caution that Israel’s long-term strategy risks entrenching the war further. For now, Gaza’s civilians brace for an uncertain future—one they insist will unfold on their own terms.

Source: Al Jazeera