‘Deeply insulting’: Almost 50 Australian war graves feared damaged in Gaza conflict

Two war cemeteries have suffered “extensive damage” during Israel Defence Forces’ attacks on Hamas, with almost 50 Australian soldiers’ graves believed to have been caught in the wreckage.

Almost 50 Australian soldiers’ graves from the First and Second World War are feared to have been damaged at two cemeteries amid the devastating conflict in Gaza.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission analysis of images from locals, satellites and news reports shows Gaza War Cemetery and Deir El Balah War Cemetery have suffered “extensive damage” during the Israel Defence Forces’ attacks on Hamas.

At least 40 Australian graves at the Gaza War Cemetery and seven graves at Deir El Balah Cemetery appear to have been damaged but their remains undisturbed, according to its report.

The Gaza War Cemetary in 2014. Picture: Dan Kitwood

“I condemn any damage to, or threat of damage to Australian War Graves,” Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said.

“I’m deeply saddened about the damage to cemeteries in Gaza in recent times.

“The Commonwealth War Graves Commission will remediate the site when it is safe to do so.

“I’m also advised the UK Ministry of Defence continues to be in regular contact with the Israeli Defence Force on this matter, on behalf of all Commonwealth War Graves Commission nations.”

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh has condemned damage to Australian War Graves. Picture: Martin Ollman

Australia is one of six members of the Commission, which cares for the memorials and cemeteries commemorating 1.7 million Commonwealth casualties worldwide.

It has estimated that reconstruction costs at Gaza War Cemetery could cost £4.9m or $9.8m AUD, while works at Deir El Balah War Cemetery could cost £800k or $1.6m AUD.

However, the situation on the ground remains too dangerous for its personnel to inspect any damage and make any necessary repairs as there may also be unexploded weapons.

The Commission acknowledged that its rebuilding work will “not be a priority” when reconstruction of the wider community begins, adding that securing labour and construction materials will be a “significant challenge”.

It’s first priority will be securing the cemetery boundaries with “concrete barricades, walls or fencing” with encroachment one of the “biggest risks”.

The Gaza War Cemetery before the October 7 attacks. Picture: Dan Kitwood

RSL Australia has expressed its concern to the Commission about the possible damage to Australian graves.

A Commonwealth War Graves Commission spokesman said it was monitoring the impact of the ongoing conflict on its cemeteries in the Middle East.

“Our key focus remains the safety and wellbeing of our staff and their families, and we are in regular contact with them all to support where possible,” he said.

“As and when it is safe to do so, we will complete assessments of our sites before we can begin to restore them to a manner befitting all those who fell.”

Greens veterans affairs spokesman David Shoebridge said it was “deeply insulting” that these sites were being destroyed.

“Having recently visited the war cemetery in PNG, I know these are deeply moving and important places to pay respect and remember the horror of war,” Senator Shoebridge said.

“Even in the immediate surroundings of the now damaged gravesite, everything has been levelled, homes of Palestinians, farmland, power stations, it’s all gone.”

Senator Shoebridge took aim at the Albanese government, accusing it of exerting “no pressure on Israel for its war crimes”.