The graves of Australian soldiers in Gaza have “very likely” been disturbed, according to independent senator David Pocock. This revelation follows the presentation of new photographs to the Australian parliament showing extensive damage to the cemetery, reportedly caused by Israeli bulldozers.
During a Senate estimates hearing last week, it was revealed that approximately 146 out of 263 graves of Australian soldiers in Gaza have been damaged. The photos show not only the destruction of headstones but also significant earth displacement, with soil piled into high berms.
Extent of the Damage
Major General Wade Stothart, director of the Office of Australian War Graves, confirmed the possibility that the remains of soldiers have been disturbed. “It’s quite possible the bodies of our fallen soldiers have been disturbed,” Pocock told the Guardian. “But looking at the pictures that have now emerged, I’d say it looks very likely.”
The cemetery, located in the Tuffah area of Gaza City, has been subjected to shelling amid ongoing conflict. However, the most severe damage, attributed to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) bulldozers, occurred in April and May of last year, particularly affecting the southern corner where World War II soldiers are buried.
International Reaction and Outrage
The news has sparked outrage among Australian families, who expressed shock upon learning that their relatives’ graves had been desecrated. Stothart addressed the damage during the Senate estimates, stating, “The photographs and the satellite imagery that have been reported in the media are very evident of severe damage.”
“A detailed survey and assessment of every grave, the remains, and the amount of damage that has occurred are difficult to assess at this stage,” said Stothart. “We have not received direct reports that human remains have been exposed or damaged directly.”
Despite the lack of direct evidence, the imagery suggests that Australian servicemen’s graves may have been affected. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has hindered any immediate plans to repair the graves.
Calls for Action
Senator Pocock emphasized the distress these revelations cause to the descendants of the soldiers and urged the Australian government to press Israel for restoration of the graves. He stated, “Amid other breaches of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, it is appalling that Australian war graves in Gaza have been bulldozed by the Israeli Defence Force.”
In response, the IDF claimed that defensive measures were necessary during military operations when terrorists attempted to attack troops by taking cover near the cemetery. The IDF stated, “Operational measures were taken in the area to neutralise identified threats.”
Historical Context and Diplomatic Efforts
Last month, a report by the Canadian broadcaster CBC revealed that the IDF had excavated below the graves to a depth of 30 meters, allegedly to destroy a Hamas tunnel. However, the IDF did not confirm whether steps were taken to preserve human remains.
Australian families have demanded an apology from Israel and reparations for the damage. The office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog indicated that he had discussed the issue with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and committed to investigating further upon his return to Israel. However, further inquiries to Herzog’s office have gone unanswered.
This development underscores the complex and often fraught nature of international relations in conflict zones, particularly concerning historical sites and the legacy of war. As the situation evolves, the Australian government and affected families await concrete actions and reassurances regarding the preservation and restoration of these significant war graves.
