Fiji is inaugurating its embassy in Jerusalem today, September 17th, 2025, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Fiji's prime minister in attendance, according to a report from X user Amit Segal. This development occurs as Israeli forces continue ground operations in Gaza City, where communications and internet services remain interrupted in wide parts of the city, affecting an estimated 400,000 displaced Palestinians. Earlier today, between 4:01 AM UTC and 4:46 AM UTC, Israeli troops were reported to be advancing into the Rimal neighborhood and along Al-Rashid Road. Al Jazeera English reported that Israeli forces destroyed a 13th-century mosque in Gaza City's Tuffah neighborhood on September 17th. Separately, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated this morning via a post on X that the Israeli economy is strong, citing global amazement at its data even during wartime. He also reiterated his stance on Qatar's neutrality and requested a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. False alarms for suspected drone infiltration were reported in Be'er Ora, southern Israel, around 5:05 AM UTC, attributed by the IDF to false identification. Meanwhile, "constant explosions and targets west of Gaza City" were reported by activist Hamza Al-Masri. Earlier in the day, the European Commission proposed suspending free trade agreements with Israel and imposing sanctions on settlers and Hamas, a proposal that currently lacks sufficient support among Union member states. Analyses suggest Israel's current fighting methods in Gaza differ from previous operations, focusing on repetitive raids rather than prolonged occupation, impacting Hamas's divisions. Reports mention the emergence of anti-Hamas armed groups in Khan Yunis and unconfirmed reports of an armed militia in Shujaiya creating safe zones.
