Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on Israel "to comply immediately with its obligations under international law", saying the conflict in Gaza has "gone beyond the world's worst fears".

"Gaza is in the grip of a humanitarian catastrophe. Israel's denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored," Albanese said in a statement posted on Friday on the Prime Minister of Australia's official website.

"We call on Israel to comply immediately with its obligations under international law," he said. "This includes allowing the United Nations and NGOs to carry out their lifesaving work safely and without hindrance."

Albanese said the position of the Australian government on Gaza was that "every innocent life matters. Every Israeli. Every Palestinian."

"This conflict has stolen far too many innocent lives. Tens of thousands of civilians are dead, children are starving," he noted.

Any proposals for the permanent forced displacement of the Palestinian population must be abandoned, Albanese added, referring to the Israeli agenda of relocating Palestinians.

"We continue to support all international efforts to facilitate a ceasefire, recognizing that an immediate and permanent ceasefire gives the best hope of bringing hostages home and easing the agony of their loved ones," he said.

Australia is committed to a future where both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples can live in peace and safety, within secure and internationally-recognized borders, he added.

"Until that day, every effort must be made here and now to safeguard innocent life and end the suffering and starvation of the people of Gaza," Albanese said.

The Australian statement followed the announcement by France on Thursday that it would officially recognize the State of Palestine in September.