Palestinians dodge ‘giant robot bombs’ in desperate scramble to flee Gaza City
Gaza children’s hospital struck as Israel deploys new bombs
- 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- These “suicide APCs” are reportedly outdated M113 models rigged with tonnes of explosives, used to reduce Israeli soldier casualties and destroy large buildings, with their deployment reportedly tripled.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.