ISRAEL’S invasion forces battled with Hamas militants yesterday near Gaza’s largest hospital, where health officials said thousands of staff, patients and displaced people remained trapped with no electricity, dwindling supplies and some gunfire coming inside.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected growing international calls for a ceasefire unless it includes the release of all the nearly 240 hostages captured by Hamas in the group’s October 7 rampage.

Without providing evidence, Israel has accused Hamas of concealing a command post inside and under Shifa hospital, allegations denied by Hamas and hospital staff.