The Australian Greens are horrified by the ongoing escalation in violence in Israel and Palestine, which has resulted in more than 109 Palestinians and 7 Israelis being killed. 

Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens foreign affairs spokesperson, said:

“This escalation in violence follows the threatened evictions of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah to make way for Israeli settlers, and the restrictions and violence against worshippers at Al-Aqsa mosque during Ramadan. 

Australian Greens foreign affairs spokesperson Senator Scott Ludlam has accused the Australian government of unforgivable silence over the blockade of Gaza, in light of a UN statement today that the area will become uninhabitable by 2020 if the current economic conditions there continue.

"Ordinary Palestinians have been caught up in this political siege for too long," Senator Ludlam said.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne has written to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, urging her to publicly condemn a massive land grab in the West Bank.

"Israel's announcement that it has appropriated nearly 1000 acres of land in the West Bank is deeply concerning," said Senator Milne.

"It is claimed to be the biggest land-seizure in 30 years and puts at risk the recent ceasefire agreement, damaging the potential for a long-term resolution of the conflict.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne has written to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, urging her to publicly condemn a massive land grab in the West Bank.

"Israel's announcement that it has appropriated nearly 1000 acres of land in the West Bank is deeply concerning," said Senator Milne.

"It is claimed to be the biggest land-seizure in 30 years and puts at risk the recent ceasefire agreement, damaging the potential for a long-term resolution of the conflict.

The Australian Greens say an attack on a UN school, designated as a shelter, makes it clear nowhere in Gaza is safe as long as the fighting continues.

"It is devastating to hear of more deaths and injuries, in what was meant to be a safe place for civilians in Gaza," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"This attack must be strongly condemned and I echo the UN's calls for the immunity of UN premises in Gaza, and humanitarian law, to be respected.

As Israeli troops enter Gaza by ground, the Australian Greens are calling on our government to exert its influence to help bring about a ceasefire.

"This is a shocking escalation of violence and it's going to mean many more deaths of civilians, particularly Palestinians, in Gaza," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"It is horrendous that the full military strength of a country like Israel would move against the Palestinians in Gaza, which is effectively one large, heavily populated refugee camp. It is appalling.