Since the 7 October attack by Hamas and Israel’s military response, Gaza’s borders have remained largely closed.

But various sources in the region have suggested the southern border at Rafah might open as early as today to allow some of the most seriously wounded Palestinians to get treatment on the Egyptian side.

The UK Foreign Office said it had informed British nationals trapped in Gaza about what it called credible reports that Rafah might open for limited exits.

But it said there were no details about how the opening would be managed and who would be permitted to leave.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said “good progress” had been made in negotiations to allow foreign nationals to leave.

Egypt has been reluctant to open the border, fearing an uncontrolled surge of refugees.