Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called for a “ceasefire now” following deadly air strikes by Israel near Rafah in the Gaza Strip.

“The events of the past 24 hours confirm that we must see a humanitarian ceasefire now so that civilians can be protected,” Wong said in a statement posted on the social media platform X.

She continued: “The Israeli strikes had horrific and unacceptable consequences. “Australia has been very clear that Israel must not go ahead with its operation in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people are taking shelter.”

She added: “Hamas must release all hostages, stop using Palestinian civilians as human shields, and lay down its weapons.”

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said that 45 people were killed and dozens injured in the air strike that hit tents housing displaced people.

She explained that most of the victims of the air strike were women and children, describing the incident as a “massacre.”