Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has raised the issue of Australian war graves bulldozed by the Israeli military in Gaza directly with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Dozens of graves – mostly those of Australian soldiers who died in Palestine during the second world war – were destroyed by the Israel Defense Forces between April and May of last year.
Damage to Gaza Commonwealth War Cemetery
Satellite images show significant damage to the southern corner of the Gaza Commonwealth War Cemetery, with headstones destroyed and soil pushed into an earthen berm. The majority of graves in the affected sections – A and B – hold the remains of Australian soldiers.
The Australian embassy in Tel Aviv initially raised the issue with both the Israeli ministry of foreign affairs and its defense ministry following reporting by Guardian Australia last week.
During meetings in Canberra this week, Albanese impressed upon Herzog the importance of repairs being conducted as soon as possible. The Australian government has confirmed its nationals’ graves will be restored when it is safe to do so.
Government Response and Concerns
Senator Penny Wong addressed the desecration of Australian graves in Gaza during Senate estimates, stating, “All of the graves and places where Australians have fallen and are interred have great significance for our country…It is a matter of great importance to the government, it is a matter of great importance to the veterans community, and we have been clear with Israel about the importance these graves hold for Australians.”
Wilma Spence, whose father Albert Kemp, a decorated Anzac, is buried at the cemetery, expressed her grief and shock at the destruction of his grave. She stated she has not yet received information from the Australian government regarding her father’s grave and was informed by the Australian War Graves Commission that they cannot discuss individual graves.
Spence questioned why the government wasn’t stronger in condemning the destruction and whether the prime minister asked Herzog to fund the cemetery’s restoration.
Independent senator David Pocock raised the issue in Senate estimates, calling the destruction “unacceptable” and expressing concern over the government’s response. He questioned why the Commonwealth War Graves Commission should be responsible for restoration costs.
Pocock emphasized the sacred nature of the war graves and the need to hold those responsible accountable.
Details of the Damage
The Tuffah area of Gaza City, where the cemetery is located, has been subject to shelling during the current conflict. However, more extensive damage occurred due to military earthmoving operations in April and May 2025.
Essam Jarada, the cemetery’s former caretaker, reported two bulldozing operations took place during that period, specifically targeting the area containing Australian soldiers’ graves. He witnessed the bulldozing after the Israeli army withdrew from the area.
The IDF stated that it was forced to take defensive measures during military operations, responding to terrorists taking cover near the cemetery.
Current Status
Australia’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs acknowledged “significant damage” to the Gaza War Cemetery, including the graves of Australians. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission plans to secure and repair the cemetery when it is safe, but full reconstruction is expected to take time, with immediate post-conflict efforts focused on humanitarian aid. The Guardian has sought comment from the office of the Israeli president.
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