Australia Vows to Repair ‘Distressing’ Damage to War Graves in Gaza Bulldozed by Israeli Army

The Australian government has pledged to help repair and restore war graves in Gaza that were damaged during recent military operations, describing the destruction as “deeply distressing” and calling for greater protection of historical and humanitarian sites during conflict.

The commitment follows reports and satellite imagery showing several cemeteries and burial grounds in Gaza had been bulldozed or severely damaged amid Israeli military activity in the territory. Among the affected sites are graves believed to hold the remains of soldiers from World War I and World War II, as well as civilians and local residents whose families have maintained the plots for generations.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government had raised the issue through diplomatic channels and would work with international partners to assess the damage and support reconstruction efforts.

“These sites carry immense historical and emotional significance,” Wong said in a statement. “The damage to war graves is distressing and unacceptable. Australia is committed to helping ensure these places are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Historical Significance of the Graves

The damaged cemeteries are believed to include burial grounds associated with Commonwealth forces who fought in the region during the First World War, when Palestine was part of the Ottoman Empire and later came under British control. Some graves are linked to the British-led Egyptian Expeditionary Force, which included Australian and New Zealand troops.

War graves in Gaza have long been maintained under international agreements overseen by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), which works to preserve burial sites across former conflict zones. These cemeteries are protected under international humanitarian law, which requires parties to a conflict to safeguard cultural and religious sites where possible.

Historians say the destruction represents not only physical damage but also a loss of shared historical memory.

“These graves are a reminder of a period when soldiers from across the world fought and died in the Middle East,” said Dr. Martin Reeves, a military historian based in Sydney. “Their preservation is a matter of respect for the dead and for future generations.”

Images Spark International Concern

The issue gained international attention after satellite images and videos circulated online showing bulldozers moving through cemetery areas near zones of heavy fighting. Human rights groups and heritage organizations expressed alarm, urging investigations and immediate steps to prevent further damage.

The Israeli military has said its operations in Gaza are focused on targeting militant infrastructure and that any damage to civilian or historical sites is unintended. Officials have stated that Hamas and other armed groups often operate in or near sensitive locations, complicating military efforts.

However, critics argue that greater precautions should have been taken.

“Even in war, there are rules,” said a spokesperson for an international humanitarian organization. “Graveyards and memorials should be treated as protected spaces.”

Australia’s Response

Australia’s pledge to assist in restoration marks one of the strongest statements by a Western government specifically focused on the war graves issue. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it would coordinate with the CWGC and relevant international bodies to determine the scale of repairs required once access to the sites is possible.

Officials said financial assistance and technical expertise may be offered, including archaeological assessments and rebuilding damaged markers and boundary walls.

“We want to make sure these sites are restored properly, not simply cleared or rebuilt without regard to their history,” a senior government source said.

The government also reiterated its broader call for the protection of civilians and heritage during ongoing hostilities in Gaza.

Diplomatic Sensitivities

The announcement comes amid growing global scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and increasing pressure on allied governments to address humanitarian and cultural losses. Australia has attempted to balance its long-standing support for Israel’s right to self-defense with criticism of actions that result in civilian harm or damage to protected sites.

Opposition figures welcomed the pledge but urged stronger diplomatic engagement.

“Repairing the damage is important, but preventing it in the first place is even more crucial,” said one senior opposition lawmaker. “Australia should be pushing for clearer safeguards around heritage and burial sites.”

Voices from Families and Communities

For families connected to those buried in Gaza, the news has been deeply painful. Descendants of Commonwealth soldiers have expressed shock that graves maintained for more than a century could be damaged in modern warfare.

“It feels like history itself has been trampled,” said the granddaughter of an Australian soldier believed to be buried in the region. “These men died far from home. The least we can do is protect their resting places.”

Local Palestinian residents have also described the destruction as another layer of loss in an already devastated landscape.

“Our cemeteries are sacred,” said one Gaza resident via phone interview. “They hold our ancestors and our memories. Seeing them destroyed adds to our grief.”

International Law and Accountability

Under the Geneva Conventions, parties to armed conflict are obligated to respect and protect burial sites and cultural property. Legal experts say that if the damage is proven to be unnecessary or disproportionate, it could raise serious questions of accountability.

“Intent and context matter,” said international law professor Nadia Karim. “But destruction of war graves is not a minor issue. It touches on both humanitarian law and cultural protection treaties.”

Looking Ahead

Restoration efforts will depend heavily on access to Gaza, which remains limited due to ongoing fighting and security concerns. Experts warn that delays could worsen the damage, particularly if heavy machinery continues to operate near burial grounds.

Australia has said it will continue to raise the matter in international forums and push for safe corridors to allow assessment teams to reach the affected sites.

For now, the pledge to repair the graves stands as a symbolic and practical gesture aimed at preserving a fragile link to the past amid a conflict defined by loss and destruction.

“These graves remind us that war leaves scars that last generations,” Wong said. “Protecting them is part of protecting our shared human history.”