UK Government "hopeful" for more Britons to pass through Gaza crossing
As many as 200 Britons remain in Gaza as the war with Israel continues
The UK Government is "hopeful" that the Gaza Strip's border crossing with Egypt will be reopened to allow more Britons to leave the area.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said that the UK was working to make sure civilians with British citizenship who are trapped in Gaza can leave "as rapidly as possible", with Foreign Office workers trying to "facilitate" Britons in crossing the border.
Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Dowden reiterated its backing, insisting: "We stand ready to support British nationals."
Due to Israel's ongoing siege in the territory, the Rafah crossing with Egypt is the only available option for those wanting to leave the area.
Some British nationals have already crossed the border during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, but some Britons reported being turned away at the border due to a row between Israeli and Palestinian officials over injured civilians.
As many as 200 British nationals and their dependants (including children and elderly relatives) in Gaza are registered with authorities to be allowed to leave.
Deputy Prime Minister Dowden said that the government was working with authorities and trying its best to get its citizens out.
"The first thing we are doing is trying to make sure we get the Rafah crossing open again and I'm hopeful we will make progress on that today," he said.
"Secondly, we are seeking to have these temporary pauses to allow humanitarian aid in and to get our people out."
Oliver Dowden's comments come as Palestinian marches continued throughout the country, with demonstrations condemning Israel's actions in Gaza taking place in major UK cities.
Some 29 people were arrested during a protest in London, which saw thousands of people take to the streets to call for an immediate ceasefire.
The arrest demonstrators were taken by Metropolitan Police officers on various charges including racial hatred, violence and assaulting a police officer.
The Deputy Prime Minister also urged protestors not to attempt disrupting commemorations for Armistice Day next Saturday (November 11th), saying that he had "grave concerns" for the potential of "violence and instability".
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