Australia to provide $5m in humanitarian aid for war-torn Gaza

Australia will provide $5m in urgent humanitarian assistance to people in Gaza.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the government is deeply concerned at the continuing violence, which has so far claimed the lives of more than 1000 Palestinians and at least 43 Israeli soldiers.

The fighting had also displaced large numbers of people from their homes, and damaged buildings and essential services, she said.

Australia's assistance will go towards emergency food, medical supplies, hygiene kits and psycho-social support.

"The assistance will also enable (United Nations Relief Works Agency) to restore education and health services and NGOs to rebuild livelihood programs for communities," Ms Bishop said in a statement on Monday.

The humanitarian assistance came as Labor backbencher Melissa Parke accused the government of adopting a "blatantly pro-Israel position" on the conflict.

The former United Nations lawyer is one of thirty state and federal MPs who have signed a letter condemning Israel's bombardment of Gaza, saying its use of force is unjustified.

"It's a blatantly pro-Israel position and I don't think that Israel is really interested in peace," she told ABC radio.