Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken aim at Australia over its consideration of Palestinian statehood, saying countries like the UK, France and Canada are deluded by a ‘global campaign of lies’.

The Israeli leader argued his country was acting in self-defence in Gaza and suggested Australia would ‘do it too’ if Sydney or Melbourne was threatened.

International condemnation of Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City by force is mounting, as fears of widespread displacements and worsening starvation loom in the enclave loom.