Shapps confirms it is ‘very likely’ Britains are among hostages held by Hamas in Gaza

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed it “seems very likely’ there are British hostages in Gaza.

Asked by Sky News if there are Britons among the hostages taken by Hamas, Shapps said: “It seems very likely that there are. We don’t have exact data on that for obvious reasons. ”

But he added:””I can’t go into specific detail. What I can tell you is it is highly likely, no one will know for sure, that there are those with either British nationals or people with joint nationality involved in the hostage situation, as has been reported previously.”

“But within Gaza there will also be Brits or possibly people with dual nationalities as well.

The prime minister has spoken to the Egyptian president about using that border to get people out.”

Prime minister Rishi Sunak later said there was a “complex situation” when asked to comment on British hostages being taken.

Shapps also said he has seen “distressing videos” of Hamas beheading and raping people, and dragging bodies through the street.

He also said “we’re sending assistance and expertise, including intelligence, to the region, and to a number of different locations.

“But this is not the same as saying we’re sending people into Gaza itself.”