Israel ambassador claims his country is the victim as Penny Wong warns of ‘desperate need’ in Gaza

Australian foreign minister calls for humanitarian pauses on hostilities' as Amir Maimon urges world not to look away' from Hamas' actions

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Israel's ambassador to Australia has insisted the humanitarian situation in Gaza is fair" after Penny Wong's warning that the besieged strip had nowhere near enough" access to aid supplies.

The Australian foreign minister called on Wednesday for humanitarian pauses on hostilities, so food, water, medicine and other essential assistance can reach people in desperate need, and so civilians can get to safety".