The federal government is trying to confirm the welfare of Australians caught up in the “abhorrent” attack by Islamist group Hamas on Israel, which has killed hundreds and injured thousands of people.

Hamas fighters rampaged through Israel towns on Saturday in the deadliest incursion since Egypt and Syria’s attacks in the Yom Kippur war 50 years ago.

At least 700 people have been killed, Israeli media reported, children among them. Israel has not released an official toll. Hamas also took multiple hostages. Thousands are believed to have been injured.

“We unequivocally condemn the indiscriminate targeting of civilians and the taking of hostages,” Senator Wong said at Melbourne Airport on Monday.

“These are abhorrent acts and I again reiterate our call for all hostages to be released.”

Senator Wong said she had spoken to her Israeli counterpart over the weekend to express Australia’s support for Israel and its right to defend itself.

“We are seeking to confirm the welfare of Australians in the affected area,” she said.

“We are working with local authorities and I spoke also over the weekend to our head of missions, our ambassador in Israel and our head of missing in the Palestinian territories.”

Australians who are in Israel are being asked to contact their families to “assure us all of your safety”.

Australia has also updated its travel advice for the Palestinian enclave of Gaza to do not travel and is also advising people in Israel and occupied Palestinian territories to exercise a high degree of caution.

Overnight, Israel has pounded Gaza, killing hundreds of people in retaliation for one of the bloodiest attacks in its history, which is being dubbed Israel’s 9/11,

Israeli air strikes hit housing blocks, tunnels, a mosque and homes of Hamas officials in Gaza, killing more than 400 people, including 20 children, in keeping with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge of “mighty vengeance”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton condemned attacks by Hamas, which has been classified as a terrorist organisation by Australia since 2001.

Australia stands with our friend Israel in this time.

We condemn the indiscriminate and abhorrent attacks by Hamas on Israel, its cities and civilians.

We recognise Israel’s right to defend itself.

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) October 7, 2023

Dutton said the coalition “utterly condemns the unprovoked and abhorrent attack by militant Hamas on Israel”.

“It is yet another example of a deliberate act of violence intended to inflict maximum harm on innocent civilians,” he said.

The Coalition utterly condemns the unprovoked and abhorrent attack by militant Hamas on Israel. It is yet another example of a deliberate act of violence intended to inflict maximum harm on innocent civilians. The attack is a provocation. Israel has every right to defend itself…

— Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton_MP) October 7, 2023

Australian Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said on Sunday the current was a result of Israel’s recent escalation and that Western leaders had failed Palestinians by voicing their support for Israel.

“Israel hasn’t been defending itself, it’s been waging war on Palestinians each and every day for decades,” Mr Mashni said in a statement.

“Just this week Israelis have invaded the most holy sites in Jerusalem; mobs of settlers have attacked Palestinian towns, killing Palestinians while Israeli soldiers watch on.”

-AAP