Israel to ease blockade after British critcism and UN food aid warning

It comes as Britain voiced its dissaproval and the UN warned it will have to stop food distribution to the 1.5 million residents of the Hamas-held territory unless Israel opens up the border again.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak agreed to allow fuel and medicines for one day tomorrow - hours after the area's sole power plant shut down, plunging Gaza City into darkness.

Earlier today, Foreign Secretary David Miliband and International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander called on all sides to exercise restraint and work for the reopening of crossings between Israel and Gaza, shut in an effort to stop Palestinian rocket fire.

The statement said the UK does not support the closure of the crossings and called for "urgent" action to restore electricity, warning that continued fuel shortages will have "immediate humanitarian consequences".

Mr Miliband and Mr Alexander condemned as "unacceptable" both the campaign of rocket and sniper attacks on Israel from Gaza and the rising number of deaths among Palestinian civilians.

Officials in Gaza have warned of a health catastrophe after the territory's only power plant was shut down last night because of lack of fuel.

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A Palestinian boy cries outside his house in the Gaza strip

Meanwhile, aid charity Oxfam today said that Gaza's water and sewage systems were a matter of hours from almost total shutdown as stocks of fuel to run vital pumps runs out.

In addition to the fuel it receives from Israel to power its electrical plant, Gaza gets most of its electricity directly from Israel.

Israel said that Gaza continues to receive 75 per cent of its normal electricity supplies, and branded the blackout as a "ploy to attract international sympathy".

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In their joint statement, Mr Miliband and Mr Alexander said: "The recent escalation of violence between Gazans and Israelis is extremely grave.

"We deplore the fact that innocent civilians on both sides are suffering and the increasing number of casualties.

"Both Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in peace and security. We urge all parties to exercise restraint.

"The rising number of rocket and sniper attacks from Gaza into Israel is unacceptable, as is the number of Palestinian civilian casualties.

"We do not support Israel's decision to close all crossings into Gaza, preventing the delivery of vital humanitarian supplies as well as fuel to the Gaza power station.

"Reports that electricity has been cut due to fuel shortages are particularly alarming and require urgent attention.

"Continued fuel shortages will have immediate humanitarian consequences, including on the supply of clean water.

"We appeal to all parties to work for the reopening of the crossings. The UK will pursue this with Israel, the Palestinian Authority, the UN, the EU and other partners.

"Israeli security and justice for Palestinians will not be achieved by cutting off fuel or by firing rockets.

"Both sides have a responsibility to support the peace process launched at Annapolis. The situation on the ground is an important part of this.

"Palestinian security efforts and Israel's reopening of the Gaza crossings need to support each other and the drive for a long-term peace."

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Palestinians stand in line to buy bread in Gaza city

Oxfam today warned that only 37 of Gaza's 122 water supply pumps have fuel and most will run out within hours. Only six water pumps have fuel to run for more than a day, said the charity.

According to Gaza's water authority, some 40% of the population - 600,000 people - is now without running water, raising the risk of outbreaks of water-borne diseases.

Oxfam director Barbara Stocking said: "Gaza's water and sanitation system is running on empty. By Tuesday nearly all the pumps will shut down, leaving civilians without running water.

"The risk to public health of a breakdown of the water and sanitation system is real and a massive case for concern. Israel must immediately allow fuel into Gaza to avoid any further civilian suffering.

"Cutting off water to civilians is both immoral and illegal, no matter what the provocation may be."

Liberal Democrat international development spokesman Michael Moore today wrote to Mr Alexander calling for an urgent response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

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A Palestinian worker walks past Gaza's electrical plant. Gaza's only electrical plant shut down most of its turbines after an Israeli border closure blocked the entry of their fuel

Mr Moore said: "The already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza has been dealt another disastrous blow by Israel's disproportionate action.

"Rocket fire on Israel must be condemned, but once again Israel's response affects the innocent and risks jeopardising any hopes of reaching a comprehensive peace settlement.

"The international community's approach to this crisis has clearly failed, and if the situation is not to deteriorate beyond any hope of reconciliation it is time for the EU to step out of the shadows of US-led policy."