The Australian foreign minister has reiterated her country’s objections to a major Israeli ground offensive into Rafah.

Penny Wong said in a post on X that Australia had “been clear” about its objections and had reiterated “this to Israel again today”.

She said more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population are sheltering in Rafah, from the fighting elsewhere.

The top Australian diplomat noted that the impacts on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating.

“That’s why our call remains for a humanitarian ceasefire to enable hostages to be released and unimpeded aid to flow,” Wong pointed out. 

She said Australia supports the continued work of Qatar, the US and Egypt to broker a deal.