According to BBC sources, British troops may soon be involved in delivering aid to Gaza via a new sea route.
While the US has ruled out deploying American forces on the ground, they have proposed that a third party, yet unnamed, would transport aid trucks along a floating causeway onto the beach.
The UK is reportedly contemplating assigning British troops to this task once the aid corridor becomes operational next month.
However, Whitehall insiders emphasized that no final decision has been reached, and the matter has not yet been brought to the attention of the prime minister.
Both the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Israeli army have declined to provide comments on the situation.
Britain has been closely involved in planning the sea-borne aid operation and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said the UK continued to take “a leading role in the delivery of support in coordination with the US and other international allies”.
The possible role for British forces – known as “wet boots” by military planners – would see them drive trucks off landing craft onto the temporary causeway and deliver aid to a secure distribution area ashore.
Although a huge effort would be made to protect allied forces both off and onshore, British troops would potentially face a higher risk of attack from Hamas and other armed groups.
On Wednesday, a United Nations team had to take cover when mortars landed near the planned distribution zone.
US defence officials confirmed an American army ship had begun work in the eastern Mediterranean to build a large floating pier.
