Hamas blocks Britons from leaving Gaza as terrorists hold civilians to ransom amid devastating bombings
People search through buildings that were destroyed during Israeli air raids in the southern Gaza Strip
GETTY
Hamas has blocked Britons from leaving Gaza as Israel prepares to mount its ground offensive.
The United Kingdom is working around the clock to rescue trapped citizens.
Britain ramped up efforts as civil disorder and looting broke out at UN aid warehouses.
American officials have claimed that Israel and Egypt were prepared to let foreign nationals leave Gaza.
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However, the terrorist organisation refused to accept the proposal.
Around 200 British citizens live inside the coastal enclave, with some 600 Americans also calling Gaza their home.
Jake Sullivan, the White House’s chief security adviser, said: “The Egyptians are prepared to let Americans and other foreign nationals out of Gaza.
“The Israelis have no issue with that. But Hamas is preventing their departure and making a series of demands.”
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An Israeli soldier holds a weapon from behind a military vehicle in a location given as Gaza
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UK Government insiders echoed American concerns that Hamas could look to block foreign nationals from leaving Gaza unless other demands are met.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron last night vowed to work together to get their respective citizens out of the Strip and send more aid into the besieged area.
Troops have gathered on the border as the World Health Organisation said the prospect was “deeply concerning”.
Palestinians search for casualties at the site of Israeli strikes on houses, in Gaza City
REUTERS
Jason Lee, country director at Save the Children Palestine, said: "The numbers are harrowing and with violence not only continuing but expanding in Gaza right now, many more children remain at grave risk."
A Palestinian aid group claimed the major al-Quds hospital had been ordered to evacuate by Israeli authorities as the situation escalates.
Thousands of Gazans also broke into UN warehouses in the region to take flour and hygiene supplies.
Rishi Sunak delivers a speech during Ministerial Statement on Israel and Gaza situation
REUTERS
Palestinians were filmed carrying away sacks of flour emblazoned with the blue logo of the UN's Palestinian refugee agency.
Thomas White, the director of UNRWA affairs in Gaza, said the break-in was “a worrying sign that civil order is starting to break down”.
“People are scared, frustrated and desperate,” he added.
Sunak recently confirmed an RAF plane was bound for Gaza with 21 tonnes of supplies as the UK just days after providing an additional £20million in humanitarian support to the coastal enclave.