The IDF officially announced: On September 16, 2025, the next phase of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” began — two divisions entered the center of Gaza City.

IDF officially announced: on the night of September 16, 2025, the next phase of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” began — two divisions entered the center of Gaza City.

Expansion of Hostilities

Currently, the 162nd and 98th divisions are operating in the Gaza City area. In the coming days, the 36th division will gradually join them — together they will surround the city from all sides.

Additionally: the 99th division continues the operation in the northern part of the sector, and the 143rd (Gaza division) — in the southern part.

Objective of the Operation

The army emphasizes that the task is “to destroy the Hamas infrastructure up to the collapse of the organization.” According to the IDF, one Hamas brigade remains in Gaza, numbering thousands of militants, including teenagers aged 14–16, who have been prepared for guerrilla attacks. A deep and developed tunnel network also remains.

Precautionary Measures

The Chief of Staff personally instructed the troops on the need to avoid strikes on hostages and to act cautiously in certain areas.

Reservists

About 130,000 reservists have been mobilized, with an attendance rate of 75–85%. The army calls this figure “satisfactory.”

Tactics

The operation will be gradual and phased. The entry into Gaza City will proceed in stages, and the plan is structured so that in the event of a political decision, it can be halted and transitioned to an agreement. The first phase, according to the IDF, will take several months. The army states that it “spares no effort to ensure the safety of the forces” and strikes only at targets confirmed by intelligence.

Preliminary Actions

In recent weeks, the army has expanded control around Gaza: in Jabalia, Sheikh Radwan, the Zaitun area, and El-Furkan.

Humanitarian Zone

A humanitarian corridor is operating in Khan Yunis: 20,000 family tents have been delivered, about 300 trucks pass daily (80% with food, the rest with medicines and equipment). Eight field hospitals have been opened and stationary hospitals have been prepared.