New evidence has emerged indicating significant damage to a historic cemetery in Gaza containing the graves of soldiers from Allied nations who fell during the two World Wars. Analysis of satellite imagery, corroborated by local testimony, reveals extensive earthworks and the removal of gravestones in a section of the site.
The imagery shows a large area within the cemetery’s southwestern corner, previously undisturbed as of last March, was systematically altered by August. The changes include churned topsoil, removed headstones, and the construction of a substantial earthen berm, suggesting the use of heavy machinery. By December, the affected area remained visibly scarred and barren compared to the regrown vegetation elsewhere in the graveyard.
A former long-time caretaker of the site reported witnessing two bulldozing operations, one outside the cemetery perimeter and another inside the walls, which impacted an area containing graves of Australian soldiers. The work was observed after military forces withdrew from the vicinity in late spring.
When presented with the findings, a military spokesperson stated the area was an active combat zone at the time and that operational measures were necessary for troop safety. The spokesperson cited attempts by combatants to use nearby structures for cover and claimed the presence of underground militant infrastructure in the area, which was located and dismantled. They emphasized that activities in such sensitive locations are approved at senior levels and handled with care.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission, responsible for the cemetery’s maintenance, reported in December that the conflict had caused extensive damage to headstones, memorials, and infrastructure. The recent imagery suggests the destruction is more widespread than previously acknowledged, affecting plots for soldiers from several nations, including Australia, Britain, Poland, and Canada.
A military historian noted that while the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains paramount, the desecration of war graves holds deep significance for the nations whose soldiers are buried there. These sites, he stated, are maintained as sacred places of memory and honor.
The former caretaker, who served at the cemetery for 45 years, described it as one of Gaza’s most beautiful archaeological and public spaces. He expressed profound personal sorrow over the damage, equating it to the pain of losing a home.
