The security arm of Palestinian factions in Gaza announced Tuesday the launch of a new "home front security plan" to counter internal unrest amid intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza City. A "resistance" security commander, speaking via The Guardian platform, stated the plan targets an "occupation-backed militia" accused of attempting to incite chaos to facilitate Israeli evacuation efforts from Gaza City. The security commander detailed that "field penalties" have been applied to individuals allegedly involved in criminal or security offenses, while others who "repented" after alleged exploitation by local militias have been reintegrated. The statement expressed confidence in the fighters' capacity to resist Israeli forces and thwart efforts to establish complete military and security control over Gaza City, also commending residents for their steadfastness and awareness of the situation's gravity. The security apparatus affirmed its commitment to continuing the protection of civilians and securing the home front "regardless of the circumstances." This initiative follows intensified Israeli operations in Gaza City, designated as Hamas's central military and governing hub under Operation Gideon B, which has seen the Israeli Air Force strike over 850 targets in the past week, with the IDF estimating 2,000-2,500 skilled terrorists present. The commander of the Southern Command, Gen. Yaniv Asor, has confirmed the operation's second phase aims to conquer Gaza City, with the IDF 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. He 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."
