Earlier this month, aid officials said there were impediments to importing some items like shelter equipment which Israel said had the potential for "dual use" - civilian or military. Palestinians have been appealing for billions of dollars in emergency aid, including for units to house people made homeless by Israeli airstrikes and bombardment.

The United Nations said on Tuesday that the flow of aid into the Gaza Strip has increased significantly since the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas went into effect on January 19.

Israel has called up military reservists to brace for a possible re-eruption of war in Gaza if Hamas fails to meet a Saturday deadline to free further Israeli hostages and a nearly month-old ceasefire unravels.