Gaza children’s hospital struck as Israel deploys new bombs

WorldPolitics
18 Sep 2025 • 1:48 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Israeli forces are using remotely detonated explosive-laden armoured personnel carriers, described by Palestinians as “giant robot bombs”, as they advance deeper into Gaza City.
  • These “suicide APCs” are reportedly outdated M113 models rigged with tonnes of explosives, used to reduce Israeli soldier casualties and destroy large buildings, with their deployment reportedly tripled.
  • The offensive has resulted in at least 16 deaths in 24 hours and struck al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital, Gaza’s only specialist facility for children.
  • Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians remain trapped in Gaza City, unable to afford evacuation or fearing new routes through Israeli military positions, despite mass evacuation orders.
  • International condemnation is mounting, with a UN investigation concluding Israel is committing genocide, calls for a ceasefire from the Pope, and proposed EU sanctions.

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