The US has said it is “intensely focused” on opening the Rafah border crossing for the “safe exit” of American citizens and other foreign nationals, Anadolu Agency reports.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said he would not make any announcement, but added: “We would welcome any agreement that would permit the safe exit of American citizens, families, and other foreign nationals.”

“It’s our understanding that should we get there it’s not a process that would incur instantly, people would move out over several days,” he said, urging all American citizens in Gaza to register with the State Department and look out for any announcements.