Gaza - Ma'an - Israeli authorities decided to open the Kerem Shalom crossing on Monday to allow food into the besieged Gaza Strip, according to a local Palestinian official.

Raed Fattouh, a Gaza border crossings representative, said that both the Nahal Oz and Karni crossings with Israel would remain closed.

Fattouh added that the Kerem Shalom crossing would be open for 55-65 trucks carrying commercial merchandise and humanitarian aid. Amongst these trucks are four carrying equipment for a desalination station for the Gazan water authorities.

Israel's army confirmed that all the crossings were closed save Kerem Shalom, which an official said was opened for 65 trucks, adding that 440,000 liters of fuel and gas were scheduled to cross over on Monday.

According to Fattouh, however, those fuel imports were below estimated needs.

He also noted that the military planned to permit no exports for Monday.

Since 2007, Israel and Egypt have maintained a devastating blockade of the tiny coastal strip, reducing food and fuel imports, banning exports, and preventing Gaza's 1.5 million residents from traveling.