Israeli forces have expanded their ground operations within Gaza City in the past 29 minutes, with reports indicating 35 fatalities in the city during this period due to Israeli actions. Israeli officials confirmed to CNN that ground action has commenced in Gaza City, described as starting at the "rank." This development follows earlier reports of Israeli ground incursions involving tanks. During the reporting window from 6:16 AM to 6:46 AM UTC on September 16th, 2025, Gaza reports indicated a total of 38 deaths within the Gaza Strip, with 35 of these occurring in Gaza City amidst Israeli operations. This surge in casualties coincides with the intensified military activity. Earlier reports from September 16th detailed that over 350,000 people had fled Gaza City as of Tuesday evening, with thousands more departing overnight. Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz had also tweeted and then deleted a message stating, "Gaza is burning. The IDF is striking with an iron fist at the terror infrastructures..." This message was later reposted. Previous reports from the early morning of September 16th indicated Israeli forces had launched a ground attack involving tanks entering Gaza City. This followed widespread attacks, including air strikes and artillery fire across neighborhoods such as Sabra, Darja, Dergwan, Shati refugee camp, and Tel Alvah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly utilized "trapped robots," described as explosives-filled devices designed to collapse structural complexes, as part of their operations. Activist Hamza Al-Masri had reported bombing operations targeting a 'robot of 2' northwest of Gaza City around 2:31 AM UTC, followed by an air strike near the intelligence zone.
