Community leaders respond to Israel-Gaza conflict

Nasser Mashni, president of the Australia Palestine Advocacy Network

"Two million people have been locked up and caged for 16 years and now, for almost two weeks, have been denied gas electricity, food, medicine and water .... The sooner our government speaks out ... the better."

Nikita White, campaigner for Amnesty International

"We have already collected evidence of horrific human rights abuses and war crimes committed by Israeli forces in Gaza: from the use of white phosphorus, which burns the flesh, to air strikes that have hit civilian buildings, killing children and convoys of people fleeing northern Gaza, to the cutting of water, food, fuel and electric and electricity to millions of people ... In spite of this, the Australian parliament chose not to condemn human rights abuses committed by Israel this week."

Rawan Arraf, executive director and principal lawyer for the Australian Centre for International Justice

"We must be clear that all people deserve equality under international law ... We cannot have double standards. We must end impunity for violations of international law."

George Browning, retired Anglican bishop

"I'm deeply distressed that, without any condemnation from our government or from the United States of America, Israel is now using (dehumanising) language against Palestinians, which excuses them for violations that are just the most brutal and shocking that are possible."

Adam Bandt, leader of the Greens

"We can see a humanitarian disaster turning in to a humanitarian catastrophe. It is time now for the government to join an international push for peace, to call for an immediate ceasefire and to say no to the war on Gaza."

Jane Hume, Liberal senator

"Israel has the right to defend itself ... There is a limit to what we can do over here other than make sure that our support for Israel is unequivocal."

Ed Husic, minister for industry and science

"I feel very strongly that Palestinians are being collectively punished here for Hamas' barbarism. I really do feel that there is an obligation on governments, particularly the Israeli government, to follow the rules of international law."

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive officer of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry

"We've heard nothing from Amnesty International, Oxfam and these organisations that are supposed to be beacons of human rights ... Instead, we've seen them join with the Australian Greens who have been utterly shameful in the way they've conducted themselves ... standing on the side of terror rather than the victims of it."

Australian Associated Press