Israel on Thursday partially reopened the three key Gaza Strip crossing points on the borders to allow more humanitarian aid, a Palestinian official said.

Ra'ed Fatouh, the Gaza Strip crossings coordinator told the press that Israel had informed the Palestinian side that it would reopen the border crossings to allow 200 aid-laden trucks into the enclave.

The Kerem Shalom crossing in southeast Gaza Strip and the Karni crossing east of Gaza City will be opened for trucks with aid goods, while the Nahal Oz depot also east of Gaza City will be opened for fuels supplies.

According to Fatouh, 80 aid-laden trucks belong to the United Nations and other Arab and international humanitarian organizations will be allowed into Gaza through Kerem Shalom crossing alone.

Another 50 trucks from the private sector, including 37 trucks carrying diary products, cocking oil and blankets, and 13 trucks carrying fruits and eggs, will also be allowed into the Gaza Strip through Kerem Shalom crossing.

Some 70 more trucks carrying wheat and fodders will be allowed through Karni crossing.

Israel has been totally closing all the five Gaza Strip crossing points since the Hamas movement took control of the enclave in June 2007 though they were partially reopened for medical and food aid and fuels supplies.

(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2009)