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2025-09-16 19:35:43
Israeli Defense Minister: Gaza will be destroyed if Hamas doesn't disarm. Following the launch of a large-scale ground offensive against Gaza City by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on the 16th local time, Israeli Defense Minister Katz declared that the Gaza Strip would be destroyed if Hamas did not release detainees and disarm. During a visit to the 162nd Division's headquarters in Gaza City, Katz stated, "We want to control Gaza City because it is now the primary symbol of Hamas' rule over Gaza. If Gaza City falls today, they will fall too." The IDF issued a statement on the morning of the 16th stating that troops from two divisions were operating in Gaza City, and that Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir had entered the combat zone. The statement stated that, following recent preparatory strikes, the IDF entered the ground offensive phase in Gaza City early on the 16th, expanding its operations into the city's heartland. The Jerusalem Post reported earlier on the 16th that the IDF had "entered" Gaza City, citing reports that Israeli tanks had entered the city. Hamas has not yet responded to the above statement. (CCTV News)
