As the confrontation with Israel rages on, Hamas is reportedly barring foreign nationals from leaving Gaza.
According to the US, foreign nationals, including Britons, have been barred from leaving the zone. It comes as Israel is said to have moved additional troops into the Gaza Strip to bolster its ground attack.
Britain stated that it was working to rescue besieged Gaza residents. Due to food shortages, the neighbourhood has been beset by looting this weekend.
US officials said Israel and Egypt were prepared to let foreign nationals leave the Strip. The area is currently under heavy bombardment from Israel, reports The Telegraph.
Hamas however is said to have refused. There are thought to be at least 200 British citizens who have registered with the UK authorities and live in the coastal enclave.
There are around 600 Americans as well as countless other nationalities. 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.”
The Telegraph says UK Government sources said they echo the US concerns. It claims those in Gaza are “effectively being held hostage in a war zone”.
World leaders have raised concerns about foreigners trapped in Gaza. Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, and Emmanuel Macron, the French president, agreed to work together to get British and French nationals out of Gaza and get more aid in.