Australia remains safe for Jewish people, Deputy PM Richard Marles says, despite Israel issuing travel warnings to its citizens considering a visit.

Israel upgraded travel warnings to multiple countries early on Tuesday (AEDT), including Australia, following a rise in anti-Semitism stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The warning for Australia was lifted to level two, which warns Israeli citizens to take additional precautions while visiting.

Marles urged greater social cohesion in Australia following the conflict in Gaza.

“It’s really important that all of us in what is a very difficult time globally are looking after each other,” he told ABC Radio on Tuesday.

“It is very important that as people legitimately express their views about what’s happening in the world, this is done in a peaceful manner … many in the Jewish community are finding this to be a very difficult time.”

Marles said there had been a rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in Australia since October 7, when Israel declared war on Hamas, which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the federal government.

While a temporary ceasefire, which allowed for hostages to be exchanged, came to an end overnight, calls are growing for a more permanent pause in the conflict to take place.

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham said Israel’s increased travel warnings were a terrible stain on Australia.

“The idea that Jewish people or Israeli citizens would somehow have to take extra precautions in visiting Australia because of the rise of anti-Semitism … is something that must be tackled at the highest levels,” he told Sky News.

“We should be working to restore Australia’s reputation because we should be one of the safest countries in the world.”

The opposition wants national cabinet to discuss rising anti-Semitism when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets state and territory leaders on Wednesday.

– AAP