By Dominic Giannini and Andrew Brown in Canberra

FOREIGN Minister Penny Wong is urging protection for civilians in Gaza after confirmation that thousands of children have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory strikes.

Israel’s defence force has declared it has entered a “second phase” of operations against Hamas, which is listed as a terrorist organisation by the Australian government.

Human rights organisations have warned of civil order breaking down in Gaza, with thousands in the region breaking into warehouses and distribution centres for food and other items.

The number of children killed in Gaza in the past three weeks has surpassed the annual number killed in conflict zones all over the world since 2019, Save the Children said.

More than 3250 children have been killed, including at least 3195 in Gaza, 33 in the West Bank and 29 in Israel, the organisation said.

That means children account for more than 40 per cent of the 7700 people killed in Gaza, Save the Children said.

A further 1000 are reported missing in Gaza, presumed buried under the rubble, it said.

Medical authorities in the Gaza strip have put the death toll at more than 8000, including 3324 minors.

“The numbers are harrowing and with violence not only continuing but expanding in Gaza right now, many more children remain at grave risk,” the organisation’s occupied Palestinian territories director Jason Lee said.

“One child’s death is one too many, but these are grave violations of epic proportions – a ceasefire is the only way to ensure their safety.”

Senator Wong reiterated calls for Israel to act in accordance with international law, saying how Tel Aviv exercised its self-defence mattered.

“How Israel conducts this war matters – it has a right to defend itself, but the way it does so matters, and we call for the protection of civilian lives,” she told ABC radio on Monday.

“The destruction and loss of life in Gaza is something that I think the international community is deeply concerned about, just as we were horrified by the brutal terrorist attack of Hamas and the continuing holding of hostages.”

The foreign minister said 88 Australians remained in Gaza but had no way of exiting the region, with humanitarian corridors being blocked.

Civilians in Gaza have no power, water is scarce and the dwindling fuel sources used for emergency generators are running out.

There are also concerns the conflict could spill over into the region, including into Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based.

Hezbollah, also designated a terrorist organisation by the Australian government, went to war with Israel in 2006, with the more than month-long conflict being fought in Lebanon and northern Israel.

Israel says several rocket or mortar launches had been launched from Lebanon and it was returning fire.

Hezbollah said it had shot down an Israeli drone.

Senator Wong said she remained concerned the conflict could spill over into other areas of the Middle East.

Australians in Lebanon have been urged to leave while commercial flights are still available, with the foreign minister warning Beirut airport could close during a conflict.

“The reality is, if we see a deterioration in the security situation, if there is armed conflict, obviously government will always do its best but the government may not be able to assist everyone who wishes to leave,” she said.

Australian officials have expressed concerns citizens in Lebanon have not been heeding their message.

–with Reuters