SYDNEY (REUTERS)

UK Foreign Minister David Lammy said on Friday the deteriorating situation in Gaza was "indefensible", repeating calls for a ceasefire.

"The sight of children reaching for aid and losing their lives has caused consternation over much of the world. And that is why I repeat my call today for a ceasefire," Lammy said in a joint news conference with the Australian defence minister in Sydney.

"The deteriorating situation we've seen in Gaza over the last few weeks is indefensible."