Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has insisted the UK will maintain support for Britons trapped in Gaza, as he said it was proving 'incredibly difficult' to open the Rafah border crossing into Egypt.
Speaking to Sky News' Trevor Phillips On Sunday Morning programme, the cabinet minister also said that 10 was 'not an unreasonable estimate' for the number of British hostages held by Hamas. And Mr Cleverly warned that protesters who displayed support for the militant group did not help the Palestinian people.He made his comments against the backdrop of the current Israel-Hamas war.
'We stay in very close coordination with the United States of America, with other friends in the region and of course with the Israeli government trying to coordinate a time window when the Rafah crossing can be opened so that people can leave. 'That is proving incredibly difficult. So I'm not able to say with any certainty when that crossing may be open.' He added: 'This is very important for the British nationals in Gaza.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israel-Gaza war: 'Highly likely' hostages held by Hamas include Britons, says Defence Secretary Grant ShappsMilitants claim Israel's bombardment of the besieged enclave has killed 13 captives, including foreigners, as the UK sends RAF aircraft and Royal Navy ships to the eastern Mediterranean to 'send a signal' to the wider region.
Read more »
Israel-Hamas war: Foreign nationals gather at Rafah Crossing Gaza-Egypt border ahead of 'limited' reopeningThe border has been closed since the Hamas attack on Israel last weekend. But crowds of dual nationals are anxiously waiting to be evacuated as news spread an agreement had been reached.
Read more »
Shapps says Israel has right to go after Hamas amid north Gaza evacuation orderThe Defence Secretary said ‘it seems very likely’ that there are British hostages in Gaza.
Read more »
Shapps says Israel has right to go after Hamas amid north Gaza evacuation orderThe Defence Secretary said ‘it seems very likely’ that there are British hostages in Gaza.
Read more »
Gaza conflict: UK set to step up Egypt talks over opening humanitarian corridor if Israel invadesThe Foreign Office has now told Britons in Gaza to follow Israel’s evacuation order as the deadline for civilians to leave loomed
Read more »
Humza Yousaf feels 'powerless' to protect family members trapped in Gaza - and he's 'angry' at UK foreign secretaryThe SNP's annual conference is about to get under way - but the primary concern for the first minister is the safety of his wife Nadia's parents and other family members trapped in Gaza and fearful for their lives.
Read more »