The situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world’s worst fears.

The position of the Australian Government is clear: every innocent life matters.

Every Israeli. Every Palestinian.

This conflict has stolen far too many innocent lives.

Tens of thousands of civilians are dead, children are starving.

Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel’s denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored.

We call on Israel to comply immediately with its obligations under international law.

This includes allowing the United Nations and NGOs to carry out their lifesaving work safely and without hindrance.

Any proposals for the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian population must be abandoned.

Australia condemns the terror and brutality of Hamas and we reiterate our call for the immediate release of the remaining hostages.

We continue to support all international efforts to facilitate a ceasefire, recognising that an immediate and permanent ceasefire gives the best hope of bringing hostages home and easing the agony of their loved ones.

Australia is proud to have strongly supported the creation of the modern state of Israel.

Then, as now, the global community envisioned two states: the State of Israel and the State of Palestine.

Recognising the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for a state of their own has long been a bipartisan position in Australia.

The reason a two state solution remains the goal of the international community is because a just and lasting peace depends upon it.

Australia is committed to a future where both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can live in peace and safety, within secure and internationally-recognised borders.

Until that day, every effort must be made here and now to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering and starvation of the people of Gaza.