Unverified claims regarding the September 11th attacks and societal commentary emerged on social media platforms during the reporting window of September 16th, 2025, 11:16 PM UTC to September 17th, 2025, 12:16 AM UTC. One post suggested a false narrative about the events of September 11th, 2001, while another referenced a legal action involving Harvard University and an individual named Shabbos Kestenbaum. These unconfirmed social media posts appeared as intense Israeli military operations continued in Gaza City under Operation Gideon B. The security arm of Palestinian factions announced a new "home front security plan" to counter internal unrest, targeting an "occupation-backed militia" accused of facilitating Israeli evacuation efforts. According to a "resistance" security commander, "field penalties" were applied to individuals involved in criminal offenses, while others who allegedly repented were reintegrated. They expressed confidence in their fighters' ability to resist Israeli forces and thwart efforts to establish complete military and security control over Gaza City. The Israeli Air Force has struck over 850 targets in Gaza City in the past week, with the IDF estimating 2,000-2,500 skilled terrorists present. The commander of the Southern Command, Gen. Yaniv Asor, confirmed the operation's second phase aims to conquer Gaza City, targeting control of over 90% of its areas within ten days. In related developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on September 16th, 2025, that he never believed Qatar was neutral in the conflict, according to Amit Segal. Netanyahu has requested a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington for late October. Separately, Israeli security forces conducted an operation in Qalqilya between 1:48 PM and 2:02 PM UTC on September 16th, 2025, resulting in two Palestinian gunmen killed and two arrested. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported 428 deaths attributed to famine and malnutrition in Gaza as of September 16th, 2025, including 146 children. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot announced his new political party, "Straight! With Eisenkot," on September 16th, 2025. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres criticized the situation in Gaza City as "systematic destruction" and deemed the war "unacceptable morally, politically and legally." Gazans displaced by Israeli operations have established makeshift settlements in Deir al Balah and north of Khan Yunis' Hamad Town, with few reaching the south near Rafah where new centers are being established, according to Planet Labs data from September 5th and 14th. A march also took place in Deir Jarir, Ramallah District, in honor of "Muhammad Alawi," who was reportedly killed by settlers several days ago.
