The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have officially confirmed the deployment of the 98th Division into Gaza City as part of an expanded ground operation, Operation Gideon B, which began over the past day. Supported by air, sea, and ground fire, the division is targeting dozens of terror structures, including military buildings and observation posts, within the city's heart. The IDF estimates 2,000-2,500 skilled terrorists and several thousand recruited teens will confront Israeli forces. Throughout the past week, the Israeli Air Force has struck over 850 targets in Gaza City, utilizing drones, fighter jets, and intelligence agencies. The IDF states that Gaza City is Hamas's central military and governing hub, and that Hamas is using the city as the "largest human shield in history" by preventing the population from evacuating. The IDF estimates that over 350,000 residents have already dispersed, with expectations of 500,000 to 700,000 leaving by next week, which would enable Israel to use greater military force. The commander of the Southern Command, Gen. Yaniv Asor, confirmed the second phase of the operation to conquer Gaza City. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the war in Gaza is "unacceptable morally, politically and legally," and that "we are now witnessing a systematic destruction of Gaza City." Guterres also indicated that an attack targeting Qatar means "Israel" is not concerned with ceasefire negotiations. Separately, a UN Human Rights Council report accuses Israel of genocide, citing a finding that Israeli authorities intended to kill as many Palestinians as possible since October 7, 2023. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported 428 deaths from famine and malnutrition in Gaza as of September 16th, 2025, including 146 children. US President Donald Trump stated he "doesn't know too much" about Israel's ground offensive into Gaza City, but warned that if Hamas uses hostages as "human shields" they will "have hell to pay." The political-security cabinet is scheduled to convene on Thursday evening in Jerusalem to discuss developments in the Gaza Strip. Defense Minister Israel Katz previously stated that "Gaza will be destroyed" if Hamas does not release hostages. Egypt is establishing tent camps in Deir al-Balah for displaced individuals. In the West Bank, Israeli security forces killed two Palestinian gunmen overnight in Qalqilya and arrested two others. One of the deceased was identified as a key figure in weapons trafficking, and another arms dealer was also killed during the operation, which occurred between 1:48 PM and 2:02 PM UTC on September 16th, 2025. This incident was part of a broader operation in the northern West Bank.
