The elite soldiers are reportedly preparing to work alongside special forces from Israel (Picture: John Rogers/Getty Images)

The SAS has confirmed they are ready to ‘step in and help British hostages’ being held by Hamas in Gaza.

The elite soldiers are preparing to work alongside special forces from Israel and the US to rescue more than 200 people kidnapped by the terrorist group, the I reports.

‘It is understood that events in southern Israel have triggered a change in the readiness of UK special forces,’ a military source said.

‘An SAS squadron on a training operation had last week finished its detachment several days early as part of unspecified deployment plans.’

Justin Crump, chief executive of of intelligence group Sibylline, said countries states with strong special forces would be working with Israel and other nations ‘to help get their citizens back’.

It is believed up to 10 Britons are being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, foreign secretary James Cleverly revealed on Monday.

Mr Crump said: ‘The way that Hamas is holding the hostages looks like they’ve scattered them over the territory of Gaza very widely.’

He added the hostages will likely be kept alive as they can be used as ‘bargaining chips’ by Hamas with Israel.

Citizens across 30 different nations are believed to make up the 200 people held in Palestinian territory.

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‘Events in southern Israel have triggered a change in the readiness of UK special forces.’