Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu has denied reports of a ceasefire to allow “foreigners out” of south Gaza and “humanitarian aid in.”

The head of the Hamas media office has also said they have no information about a humanitarian truce being agreed in southern Gaza, according to Reuters.

US media had reported that Egypt could reopen the Rafah crossing for several hours from 09:00 local time (06:00 GMT) – but it is currently closed.

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

More than 1,400 people in Israel were killed in Hamas attacks just over a week ago; Nearly 2,700 people in Gaza have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory bombardment