Defense Minister Israel Katz stated in Gaza that Gaza will be destroyed and become a state of Hamas murderers and rapists if Hamas does not release the kidnappers and break down, according to a Telegram post by Nitzan Shapira. Katz's statement, made in "Gaza Magna" in Gaza, emphasized that "all power should be acting and hurting the enemy to protect our soldiers." He also said, "The Sinwar brothers have destroyed Gaza and Naza a-Din al-Haddad will bring her sword," as quoted in the report. This statement comes as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continues its ground operation, Operation "Gideon's Chariots," within Gaza City. The operation commenced this morning, September 16th, 2025, at approximately 7:47 AM UTC, with multiple divisions maneuvering within the city. IDF tanks were reported inside Gaza City earlier in the reporting window, corroborating the expanded ground offensive. In parallel developments, discussions were held regarding a request for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's early adjournment from his trial, where he is scheduled to testify later today at 3 PM local time. Earlier today, between 7:32 AM and 7:46 AM UTC, the IDF reported the elimination of Nahmaba commander Mahmoud Said Tamar in Deir al-Balah. In the week prior to the ground offensive, the Israeli Air Force reportedly struck over 850 terror targets and hundreds of operatives in Gaza City. Over 350,000 residents have reportedly evacuated Gaza City southward, according to the IDF. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has reported 428 deaths from famine and malnutrition in Gaza as of September 16th, 2025, with 146 of those deaths being children. Egypt has established a tent camp in Deir al-Balah for displaced individuals, with plans for three more.
