consular

We also don't know if any UK nationals are involved - the UK foreign office has said it is aware of the incident and is ready to provide consular assistance to any affected British nationals.

US consular officers were told to refuse non-immigrant visas to "all otherwise eligible Palestinian Authority passport holders", the communication was quoted as saying.

The Foreign Office has provided phone numbers on the Egypt travel advice tab of its website for those in need of consular assistance.

He argued that the students mentioned in the letter could use consular facilities, such as the British Embassy or British consulate office in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

"We are providing them with consular assistance and remain in close contact with their family members," a spokesperson added.