The Australian Greens are deeply worried about the civilian death toll in Israel and Palestine, and urge both sides of the conflict to put down their weapons and respect a ceasefire.

"The human suffering is too great and the continued recourse to violence has done nothing for peace," Australian Greens Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

"We support a two-state solution and urge the Government to support Palestine's bid for a UN non-member statehood status.

"Now that we have a seat at the UN Security Council, Australia needs to step up to this role and take a more considered and independent position. Calling for a 'de-escalation' is not enough - a ceasefire is what is needed."