About 45 Australians are stuck in Gaza with limited access to water, electricity, fuel and food after Israel imposed a total blockade on the conflict-stricken territory.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles revealed the number of known Australians in Gaza had doubled after many more made contact with the government overnight.

The government has previously told citizens to move to the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza in case a humanitarian window opens but there is no guarantee this would eventuate or how long it would remain open.

“This situation is obviously extremely difficult,” Mr Marles told ABC on Tuesday.

“We are looking at ways – and working hard to find ways – in which we can get those people to safety and that includes working with other countries around the establishment of a humanitarian corridor out of Gaza.”

Mr Marles said the government was working closely with the Australians in Palestine, some of whom are believed to be trapped in the conflict-stricken region with their families and children.