Israel has expanded its control over the Gaza Strip, now holding more than 50% of the territory and squeezing Palestinians into shrinking areas of land. The army has razed Palestinian homes and infrastructure to create a military buffer zone, which has doubled in size in recent weeks. Human rights groups and Gaza experts believe that Israel's control could be long-term. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that even after defeating Hamas, Israel will maintain security control in Gaza and push Palestinians to leave.