British hostages in Gaza 'very likely', Grant Shapps says

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps says it 'seems very likely' that there are British hostages in Gaza. He said the government doesn't have 'exact data' for 'obvious reasons'.

Providing an estimate on how many British nationals are in Gaza and the surrounding region, including Israel, Mr Shapps said there are roughly 50,000 to 60,000.

Speaking to Sky News after being asked if there are any Brits among the hostages taken by Hamas, he said: "It seems very likely that there are. We don’t have exact data on that for obvious reasons.

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"But within Gaza there will also be Brits or possibly people with dual nationalities as well." He later added: "We don't know the exact numbers, no, but we know overall in the region, but including Israel, there are 50,000 to 60,000."

Asked about Israel's response to the Hamas attack, Mr Shapps told BBC Breakfast: "The question is, what is Israel to do? Leave these Hamas terrorists to come in and slaughter people again? Or deal with them once and for all? And the fact that Israel gives notice… is in stark contrast.

"I think Israel finds itself in a very difficult situation, and to be clear: Israel needs to act within international law just like any other nation. But Israel will also obviously need to deal with these Hamas terrorists."

He added: "Israel is giving due warning, but they are going after those terrorists, and we absolutely respect Israel's right to do that."