Hamas blocks Britons from leaving Gaza as terrorists hold civilians to ransom amid devastating bombings

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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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.

The announcement comes as Israel Defence Forces prepare to push ahead with its full invasion of the Strip.

Troops have gathered on the border as the World Health Organisation said the prospect was “deeply concerning”.

More than 8,000 Palestinians have died since Israel responded to Hamas' October 7 terror attack by bombarding Gaza, the Hamas-run Health Ministry has revealed.

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.

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.