Local Jewish groups and Israel’s top diplomat have rounded on the Albanese government for signing a letter with almost 30 other countries that condemned the “inhumane” killing of starving Palestinians as they seek food, water and medicine.

Australia has issued its strongest condemnation of Israel yet, slamming its dangerous method of delivering aid in Gaza, saying Palestinians were being “deprived of human dignity” and demanding an immediate end to the war after almost two years of fighting.