UN says Gaza is dangerously short of supplies because of the Israeli blockade [AFP]

However, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) warned that temporarily lifting the blockade imposed by Israel on the Palestinian territory would not allow enough supplies into Gaza.

"It is just not enough," Christopher Gunness, a UNRWA spokesman said, estimating that Gazans need at least 15 lorries worth of UN supplies daily to get by.

Around 45 lorries of goods were allowed through the Kerem Shalom crossing on Monday, including 10 United Nations vehicles carrying food and medical supplies.

Around 15 truckloads of supplies were allowed through the Karni crossing with an unspecified number also passing via the Nahal Ouz crossing.

Temporary respite

Israel's decision to temporarily open the crossings comes just one day after doctors at Gaza's biggest hospital said they had been forced to rely on a faulty generator to operate life-saving equipment.

Hassan Khalaf, director of Shifa hospital, said lives were being put a risk and that the intensive care unit could be rendered useless.

Israel closed all of its crossings with Gaza on November 5 in response to rocket attacks launched by Palestinian fighters within the Strip.

The Israelis have repeatedly said that they will not lift the blockade on Gaza until the rocket attacks end.

A Palestinian official said the Israelis agreed to temporarily lift the blockade after Egyptian mediators intervened, asking Israel to let in essential humanitarian supplies while calling on Palestinian fighters to simultaneously stop rocket fire.

Both sides blame each other for breaching a fragile five-month old ceasefire, also brokered by the Egyptians.

However, both say they want the truce, that is due to expire in December, to hold.

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