Gaza city: Israeli forces have reportedly bulldozed a section of a Gaza cemetery that contains graves of British, Australian, and other allied soldiers who died in the two world wars. According to satellite imagery and witness testimony reported by the Guardian, significant ground disturbance was observed in the southernmost section of the Gaza war cemetery located in al-Tuffah, Gaza City.

According to Anadolu Agency, satellite images dated August 8 revealed considerable damage, including the clearing of entire rows of headstones and heavy disruption of the soil. A large earthen embankment now cuts through the center of the affected area, indicating the use of heavy machinery. This ground alteration was not visible in imagery from March of the previous year.

Essam Jaradah, a former caretaker of the cemetery residing nearby, provided further details on the bulldozing activities. He stated that two separate operations took place, with the first occurring outside the cemetery walls and extending about 12 meters around the perimeter, an area previously planted with olive trees. The second operation involved bulldozing less than 1 dunum within the cemetery walls, specifically in the corner containing Australian soldiers' graves. Jaradah witnessed the aftermath following the Israeli army's withdrawal from the area in late April or early May.

In response to satellite photographs of the cemetery, the Israeli army claimed their actions were part of "defensive operations" during active combat. An army spokesman noted that the area was an active combat zone at the time and measures were taken to ensure troop safety by neutralizing identified threats.

Following a ceasefire agreement in October of the previous year, Gaza was divided by a 'yellow line' that initially cut through the cemetery. This boundary has since been moved further west. The deadly offensive launched by Israel in October 2023 resulted in significant casualties and destruction, with approximately 72,000 Palestinians killed, over 171,000 wounded, and 90% of the territory's infrastructure destroyed. Despite the ceasefire in October 2025, violations by the Israeli army have continued, leading to additional casualties.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), responsible for maintaining the Gaza cemetery, reported extensive damage to headstones, memorials, boundary walls, and staff facilities. The damage also included a memorial commemorating the British army's 54th (East Anglian) Infantry Division and other memorials and burial sections.

Satellite imagery suggests the damage is more severe than previously acknowledged, with a burial plot for Canadian UN peacekeepers completely erased. Within the main cemetery grounds, over 100 graves of World War II Allied soldiers, primarily Australian, have been destroyed. Additionally, four sections containing World War I graves of British soldiers have been leveled, reflecting the cemetery's historical significance related to campaigns in Palestine.