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.

The Greens want the Australian Government to step up action in support of the UN Security Council's call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

"We condemn the horrific escalation of violence that has resulted in the deaths of around 160 Palestinians including many children," Greens Leader Christine Milne said.

"The Israeli Government's bombing of Gaza and threats of a ground offensive puts the might of its military force against the Palestinian people.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne has raised deep concerns about the recent escalation of violence in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

"The Greens extend our deepest condolences to the families of all those affected by the violence, including to the families of the Palestinians that have died in recent days, and the young Israeli men, and Palestinian man, murdered earlier this month," said Senator Milne.

Greens Leader Christine Milne has expressed disappointment at a likely split within the Labor party, on the use of the UN accepted term ‘Occupied Palestinian Territories' for the illegal settlements built after 1967, which contravene the Fourth Geneva Convention.

The Labor party blocked a Greens-Xenophon motion calling on the Foreign Affairs Minister to publically acknowledge these facts.

Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne has spoken out against the increasingly weak position of the Abbott government regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine over the occupied territories.

"This is an outrageous backdown by the Abbott government. It is inflammatory behaviour and at odds with the peace process," Senator Milne said.

"The use of the term ‘Occupied Palestinian Territories' is the accepted term used by the UN. The Israeli settlements built after 1967 are illegal. The settlements contravene the Fourth Geneva Convention.