Israel and Hamas have categorically denied reports of a ceasefire to allow foreigners out of south Gaza and humanitarian aid in.

US media had reported that Egypt would reopen the Rafah border crossing for several hours – but it is still currently closed.

Thousands of people are gathering there in the hope of leaving Gaza ahead of an expected Israeli ground offensive.

Israeli air strikes have killed more than two thousand seven hundred and fifty Palestinians since last Saturday. The number of Israelis killed in Hamas’s assault now stands at fourteen hundred.

The Israeli army says 199 captives are being held by Hamas in Gaza. The conflict has forced more than one million Palestinians from their homes in nine days.

Doctors say hospitals in Gaza will use up their last reserves of fuel within the next 24 hours.