An ultra-Orthodox individual detained by military police escaped from custody on September 17th, 2025, with the assistance of a crowd of ultra-Orthodox protesters gathered near the military prison. The escape occurred amidst ongoing Israeli ground maneuvers in Gaza City and other related security and diplomatic activities. The incident at the military prison involved a detainee who managed to flee under the auspices of the ongoing demonstration. The escape was facilitated by the large number of ultra-Orthodox individuals protesting at the site, with the demonstration continuing as of the reporting period. This domestic unrest was noted in previous reports which also mentioned ultra-Orthodox rioting near Prison 10 earlier on September 17th. In parallel developments reported earlier on September 17th, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza stated that 98 individuals were killed and 385 injured in the past 24 hours. The ministry also noted that 18 U.S. Congress members declared that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, with Representative Veronica Escobar speaking out against the events. Fiji officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem on September 17th, attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Separately, a new militia named "The Strike Force for Combating Hamas Terrorism" has reportedly emerged in the Khan Yunis area, appearing to be an extension of the "Popular Forces" militia from Rafah.
