Israel battles Hamas near Gaza’s largest hospital as hostage deal looms, Netanyahu says

Israeli ground forces were battling Hamas near Gaza City’s largest hospital on Sunday – as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the all-out assault was bearing fruit for the possible release of the nearly 240 people taken hostage by the terrorist group.

The Israel Defense Forces began exchanging gunfire with Hamas fighters over the weekend around the Al-Shifa Hospital, where Israel has accused the terror organization of harboring a command post through its massive underground tunnel system.

The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said the fighting had left the hospital without of fuel, resulting in the deaths of three premature babies and four other patients. The lack of power has also left 36 other infants at risk of dying, it said.