Calls have come for New Zealand to use its voice as a war breaks out in the Middle East.  

Dozens are believed to have been captured by Palestinian militant group Hamas which has launched an attack on Gaza. 

The Government says more than 600 Israelis have been killed in attacks from Gaza. 

It's believed that as many as 100 soldiers and civilians were kidnapped when Palestinian fighters crossed the border and raided communities.

Palestinian officials say retaliatory Israeli air strikes have killed at least 370 people in the Gaza Strip, with 2,200 wounded. 

Democracy Project Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller says it was appropriate for Chris Hipkins to condemned the attacks. 

He says there was no condemnation in the Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta's earlier statement. 

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