Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz tweeted and subsequently deleted a message stating "Gaza is burning. The IDF is striking with an iron fist at the terror infrastructures, and IDF soldiers are fighting heroically to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the vanquishment of Hamas. We will not relent and we will not back down - until the mission is completed." The tweet was re-posted after its initial deletion, according to a report shared at approximately 4:46 AM UTC on September 16th, 2025. This development occurs amidst ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza City, which included widespread attacks and a ground operation involving tanks entering the city. Earlier in the reporting window, which began at 4:02 AM UTC, Israeli forces continued to conduct attacks across various neighborhoods, including Sabra, Darja, Dergwan, Shati refugee camp, and Tel Alvah, according to Palestinian reports. During the previous reporting period, Israeli forces had reportedly utilized "trapped robots," described as explosives-filled devices designed to collapse structural complexes, as part of their operations. These actions followed earlier bombing operations and air strikes targeting infrastructure and residential areas. Activist Hamza Al-Masri had reported bombing operations targeting a "robot of 2" northwest of Gaza City around 2:31 AM UTC on September 16th, 2025, followed by an air strike near the intelligence zone.
