Gazans displaced by Israeli operations have established makeshift settlements in Deir al Balah and north of Khan Yunis' Hamad Town, with few reaching the south near Rafah where new centers are being established, as reported on September 16th, 2025, by Planet Labs data from September 5th and 14th. This follows intensified Israeli operations in Gaza City, designated as Hamas's central military and governing hub, as part of Operation Gideon B. Over the past week, the Israeli Air Force has conducted strikes on more than 850 targets in Gaza City, with the IDF estimating the presence of 2,000-2,500 skilled terrorists and several thousand recruited teenagers, according to previous reports. The commander of the Southern Command, Gen. Yaniv Asor, has confirmed the operation's second phase aims at conquering Gaza City, with the IDF targeting control of over 90% of Gaza City areas within the next ten days. In related developments, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on September 16th, 2025, that he never believed Qatar was neutral in the conflict, according to Amit Segal. Netanyahu has requested a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington for late October, following the United Nations General Assembly. 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 others. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported 428 deaths attributed to 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, with polls suggesting it could win between 6 and 12 Knesset seats. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has criticized the situation in Gaza City as a "systematic destruction" and deemed the war "unacceptable morally, politically and legally." A march took place in the village of Deir Jarir, Ramallah District, in honor of "Muhammad Alawi," who was killed by settlers several days ago, as reported by شبكة قدس الإخبارية.
