Israeli forces conducted air strikes in Gaza City between 1:02 AM and 1:16 AM UTC on September 16th, 2025, hitting three houses belonging to the Zaqout, Hamad, and Ashour families near the public security junction, according to activist Hamza Al-Masri. These strikes resulted in casualties and significant damage, with ongoing searches for individuals trapped under rubble after the bombing of a house belonging to the Masoud family near Al-Shawa Square, where five people were rescued, as reported by journalist Muhannad Qishtha. These operations follow earlier strikes in the northwest of Gaza City and Al-Bureij camp between 12:16 AM and 1:01 AM UTC. During that period, ambulance crews responded to a targeted tent at Abu Hamisa Northern School in Al-Bureij camp, as reported by Al-Masri. The earlier operations also included targeting an area northwest of Gaza City near the public security junction between 12:02 AM and 12:16 AM UTC. Palestinian sources indicated that the bombing of the Masoud family house near Al-Shawa Square resulted in martyrs and injuries. The extent of casualties from the targeting of the Zaqout, Hamad, and Ashour family homes near the public security junction is still being assessed, with reports of significant damage to neighboring structures. Emergency services were actively involved in rescue efforts throughout the reporting window. Separately, a statement from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on September 16th, 2025, highlighted the five-year anniversary of the Abraham Accords, attributing peace and prosperity to the agreements and expressing support for expanding partnerships, echoing sentiments from President Trump. These events occur amidst ongoing political tensions, with Hamas having previously blamed Prime Minister Netanyahu for jeopardizing hostage returns and criticizing the Trump administration's stance. Families of abductees have also voiced frustration regarding the safety of captives.
