Hopes Britons 'likely to get out of Gaza within days' as key border crossing opens

BRITONS trapped in Gaza were given hope of escape today as the border crossing with Egypt opened for the first time since Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel almost four weeks ago

- Rachael Burford

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly confirmed teams are ready to help UK nationals flee the besieged Palestinian territory via the Rafah crossing. For weeks only small amounts of aid have been allowed through it into Gaza, which has been subjected to shortages of food, water and fuel as bombs rain down.

Western officials today confirmed that it is likely the departure of British nationals from Gaza “will take place in stages over the coming days”.

The UK is “working closely” with Egyptian and Israeli authorities, they added. It is understood that the crossing will be open for limited time periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals and the seriously wounded into Egypt.

Mr Cleverly said: “UK teams are ready to assist British nationals as soon as they are able to leave. It’s vital that lifesaving humanitarian aid can enter Gaza as quickly as possible.”

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden also said the Government “stands ready” to aid the exit of British nationals from the area.