The recent damage to the Commonwealth Gaza War Cemetery by Israel’s offensive in the Palestinian enclave has raised concerns about the lack of action taken by the Australian government. Senator David Shoebridge questioned the defence ministry representative about the desecration of multiple graves in Gaza by Israeli forces, highlighting the significance of the 263 Australian soldiers buried in the war cemetery. The representative confirmed damage to the cemetery in March, but no further information was received.
Despite the destruction of war graves not being unprecedented, Australia has not requested compensation for the damages. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission oversees the war graves, including the Australian ones, and will make an assessment when able to access the site. The Australian government’s lack of action has come under scrutiny, especially in comparison to the UK, which received compensation for damages to its war graves in Gaza City in 2008.
The Gaza War Cemetery holds the remains of thousands of Commonwealth soldiers from both World Wars, highlighting the historical significance of the site. Australia’s role as one of Israel’s oldest allies has raised questions about its stance on the conflict in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives.