He was a reservist, a medic in the paratroops of the Israel Defence Forces, when he heard the first news of the 7 October Hamas attack.

Two IDF divisions and various units, such as combat engineers, paratroops, infantry brigades and tanks, are all operating in Gaza.

"They are redirected their paratroops and assault brigades to both the south and the east," she said.

"As a result of the enemy's advance ... Russian paratroops have taken up positions that are advantageous to the enemy."

Small contingents of British troops, including marine commandos and paratroops, have already drilled with Japanese and South Korean forces this year.