Israel and the UN hinted on Thursday that additional humanitarian supplies would soon be allowed into Gaza, where the Israel-Hamas conflict has left residents severely lacking in basic necessities. The Kerem Shalom gate in Israel is expected to open soon.

Head of the Israeli agency for civilian coordination with the Palestinians, COGAT, Colonel Elad Goren, told reporters in Israel: “We will open Kerem Shalom just for inspection.” Within the following few days, it will occur.”

In Geneva, United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths told reporters that negotiations were under way. “There are promising signs now that that may be able to open soon,” he said.

If that were to happen, Griffiths said it would represent a major boost for humanitarian operations seeking more access to the densely populated Palestinian enclave, which has been widely devastated by Israeli bombardment in the two-month-old war.

“It would be the first miracle we’ve seen for some weeks, but would also be a huge boost to the logistical process and logistical base of a humanitarian operation,” he said about the possible opening of Kerem Shalom.

He said the warring parties were more willing to open the crossing “probably not in one go, but certainly gradually”.