The first British nationals have left Gaza after passing through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt, the Foreign Office has confirmed.

The number of Britons who have left the region is unknown but a list of people who wanted to leave Gaza had been agreed with Egyptian and Israeli authorities.

The Home Office said: "We are regularly updating all British nationals registered us.

"The crossing will be open for controlled and time-limited periods to allow specific groups of foreign nationals and the seriously wounded to leave.

"We have agreed a list of British nationals that want to leave Gaza with Egyptian and Israeli authorities. We will be informed in advance when those on the list can use the crossing to ensure we can provide assistance."