The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has deployed over 20 autonomous explosive devices, referred to as "exploding robots," in Gaza City in preparation for ground maneuvers, according to Israeli security officials. This activity occurred throughout the night and recent hours leading up to the current reporting window. The use of these explosives, designed to destroy buildings, is reportedly accelerating the evacuation rate of the city's population, with video footage showing intense movement of people descending south. These operations are part of the broader ground offensive, Operation "Gideon's Chariots," which commenced this morning, September 16th, 2025, at approximately 7:47 AM UTC. The IDF has committed multiple divisions to the operation, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing the efforts as being at a "decisive stage." Footage circulating on social media platform X within the past 15 minutes, between 9:46 AM and 10:01 AM UTC, showed IDF tanks operating within Gaza City, corroborating the expanded ground offensive. In parallel developments, a closed-door discussion regarding a request for Prime Minister Netanyahu's early adjournment from his trial took place this morning. Netanyahu is scheduled to testify later today at 3 PM local time. Earlier today, between 7:32 AM and 7:46 AM UTC, the IDF reported the elimination of Nahmaba commander Mahmoud Said Tamar in Deir al-Balah. In the week preceding the ground offensive, the Israeli Air Force reportedly struck over 850 terror targets and hundreds of operatives in Gaza City. The IDF stated that over 350,000 residents have reportedly evacuated Gaza City southward. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported 428 deaths from famine and malnutrition in Gaza as of September 16th, 2025, with 146 of those deaths being children. Egypt has established a tent camp in Deir al-Balah for displaced individuals, with plans for three more.
