The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) aim to control over 90% of Gaza City areas within the next ten days, including capturing significant subcontractors, according to an update published via X on September 16th, 2025. This objective was stated as the main task for IDF forces operating in Gaza City, as per the publication. Previous reports indicate the IDF's 98th Division is engaged in Operation Gideon B in Gaza City, which is described as Hamas's central military and governing hub. The Israeli Air Force has conducted strikes on over 850 targets in the city over the past week, and the IDF estimates that 2,000-2,500 skilled terrorists and several thousand recruited teens are present. The commander of the Southern Command, Gen. Yaniv Asor, confirmed the second phase of the operation to conquer Gaza City. Separately, Israeli security forces conducted an operation in Qalqilya in the northern West Bank between 1:48 PM and 2:02 PM UTC on September 16th, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two Palestinian gunmen and the arrest of two other individuals. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported 428 deaths from famine and malnutrition in Gaza as of September 16th, 2025, including 146 children. Former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot announced the formation of his new political party, "Straight! With Eisenkot," on September 16th, 2025. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office requested a meeting in Washington with U.S. President Donald Trump for the end of October.
