Health officials and relief agencies say intense fighting near Gaza’s largest hospital has left it in a “catastrophic situation,” with patients and staff trapped inside, ambulances unable to transport the wounded, and life support systems without electricity.

Hostilities around the hospital, the largest in Gaza, “have not stopped,” according to Doctors Without Borders, with ongoing bombardments preventing evacuations and making ambulance trips too dangerous, according to the organization.

A freelance journalist told CNN that the situation is desperate, that doctors are working by candlelight, that food is rationed and other resources are increasingly scarce.

Three newborn babies have died after the hospital was put “out of service” amid heavy fighting in the area, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, which says the hospital is surrounded on all four sides by Israeli forces and under a “total siege.”

The Israeli military told CNN that it was waging “heavy fighting” against Hamas in the vicinity of the hospital complex, but denied firing on the medical center in northern Gaza, and rejected suggestions that the hospital was under siege. Israel said it was in contact with hospital officials and offered to help with evacuations.

CNN was unable to confirm whether anyone was able to leave the hospital complex during the last day.

These are other addresses you should know:

Large protests: About 300,000 people attended a large pro-Palestinian rally in London on Saturday, where police said they arrested dozens of opposition protesters who were on their way to clash with attendees. The London march joined a growing number of demonstrations demanding a ceasefire, including large rallies in Brussels and Paris, and a march near President Joe Biden’s home in Delaware.

No to ceasefire: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected growing international calls for a ceasefire, stressing Saturday that Israel’s battle against Hamas will continue “with all our strength, with all our might.”
Rare speech by Hezbollah Secretary-General: Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech on Saturday that his group will maintain pressure on Israel as it tries to “force submission” in the region. The powerful paramilitary group, backed by Iran, has been exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border.

Humanitarian aid: The head of a United Nations agency warned on Saturday that Gaza residents were “suffocating” as a result of the ongoing bombardment. The official said that more than 700,000 women, children and men are now living in UN schools and shelters. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that it received 53 aid trucks filled with vital supplies, including food, water, relief materials, medical equipment and medicine, but without fuel.

Rafah crossing: The General Authority for Crossings and Borders in Gaza said in a statement today, Saturday, that work at the Rafah land crossing will resume on Sunday for the departure of foreign passport holders. The group will be limited to a pre-approved list.

Hostage negotiations: Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al said on Saturday that negotiations aimed at releasing more hostages held in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attacks are moving in a positive direction, but the situation remains unstable and the continued bombing of Gaza is not helping matters. . -who am I.