The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated on September 17th, 2025, that their operations prioritize Gazan civilian life and that their war is with Hamas, not the civilians. This statement was made via the official X account of Israel in the USA. This declaration comes as Israeli armor advanced into the Sheikh Radwan quarter of Gaza City, moving from Al Saftawi Street towards the Al Galaa roundabout. Photos and video footage documented Israeli tanks at the Al Galaa roundabout in Jabalia, north Gaza, placing the armor at approximately 31.533914, 34.4. This maneuver is seen as part of a strategy to encourage Gaza City residents to move to southern areas. Earlier on September 17th, an IDF detainee escaped custody at the Kfar Yona junction during a protest involving stone-throwing and tear gas, which resulted in minor injuries to two IDF soldiers. In Doha, Hamas official Ghazi Hamad reported severe explosions attributed to Israeli bombing during negotiations, which forced the delegation's immediate departure. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reported 98 deaths and 385 injuries in the past 24 hours on September 17th.
