Satellite imagery analysis has confirmed extensive destruction at a historic Commonwealth war cemetery in Gaza City, with Israel’s military acknowledging operational activities at the site. The al-Tuffah cemetery, containing graves of British, Australian, and other Commonwealth soldiers who perished in both World Wars, has undergone systematic demolition using heavy machinery.
Guardian-reviewed satellite photographs document months of earthworks throughout 2025 that churned the ground and removed entire rows of gravestones. Essam Jaradah, the cemetery’s former caretaker, witnessed two distinct bulldozing operations that expanded from visitor areas to the memorial monument itself.
The Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson confirmed military operations in the area, stating measures were taken to “neutralise identified threats” in what was described as “an active combat zone.” This incident continues a pattern of damage to the sacred site, which previously suffered partial destruction from an Israeli missile in 2006, resulting in £90,000 compensation, and sustained further damage during the 2009 Gaza offensive.
The Gaza War Cemetery contains 3,217 graves, including 781 unidentified remains, with casualties from both World Wars alongside 30 post-war burials. Current reports indicate that journalists and local residents are being prevented from accessing the Deir al-Balah cemetery site, raising concerns about transparency and preservation of this historically significant location.