Australia has been urged to take a stronger stance to prevent genocide in Gaza as South Africa encourages the nation to join its international court case against Israel.

Former United Nations high commissioner for human rights Navi Pillay warned defence companies could face sanctions if they turned a blind eye to atrocities in Gaza by continuing to export weapons parts used by Israel's military.

"I would issue a firm warning to them, be careful what you're doing, because you may one day face charges of complicity in genocide," the eminent international jurist told Canberra's National Press Club on Tuesday.

A United Nations commission of inquiry chaired by Ms Pillay concluded Israel was conducting a genocide in Gaza.

Israel has denied all charges of genocide and accused the UN of having

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