Nearly two dozen graves of Kiwi soldiers who died in World War I and World War II have been destroyed at a Gaza cemetery in what is being labelled as “systematic” destruction of the sacred ground.
Israeli forces have turned over dozens of graves at the Gaza City graveyard where British, Australian, New Zealand and other allied soldiers were interred after being killed during both wars.
Satellite imagery has picked up chunks of once green land at the war cemetery in al-Tuffah, with its topsoil now churned up into dry dirt.
Retired Army major and NZ Remembrance Army founder Simon Strombom, who served in Gaza in 2004, confirmed the section destroyed contained 20 New Zealand and two Rarotongan soldiers.
“It’s sad, of course, but it’s unfortunately all a part of war.”
He said this was not the first time it has happened and believed Gaza was being highlighted because of the current conflict.
“We need to judge this in its context ... it’s important for people to know this has happened in Libya and recently Iraq ... areas with bad authority.
“It’s not isolated to Gaza. Warfare doesn’t discriminate.”
Strombom said it was difficult to maintain anything when the level of destruction is that high.
“You have bullets flying everywhere, bombs being dropped ... no one cares about a cemetery when there’s a military operation going on.
“The tunnel system in Gaza when I was there [20 years ago] was bad, so the IDF probably had no choice here. Armies do try keep those areas clear when they can.”
The war veteran emphasised that while he’s not taking sides, most New Zealanders don’t know the depth of history in the area and there’s a lot to consider on the battlefield.
“There is no winner here ... both sides make for a strong case. But for example, when there are 32 armies using the same road, people and places will get caught in the crossfire.”
He said the issue now is families potentially wanting to bring the bodies home.
“Unfortunately, it’ll never happen. There are thousands of bodies across the Middle East that logistically it would be too hard and would cost too much.”
The graveyard’s former caretaker of 45 years, Essam Jaradah, told The Guardian that two planned operations took place at the cemetery around late April or early May last year.
“The first bulldozing occurred outside the cemetery walls, extending approximately 12 metres around all sides. These areas were entirely planted with olive trees.
“Later on, a slightly less area was bulldozed inside the cemetery walls, specifically in the corner of the cemetery which contains graves of Australian soldiers ... this created sand mounds that were used as earth barriers.”
The Guardian said the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) alleged it had been forced to take defensive measures. An IDF spokesperson said at the time the area in question was an active combat zone.
“During IDF operations in the area, terrorists attempted to attack IDF troops and took cover in structures close to the cemetery. In response, to ensure the safety of IDF troops operating on the ground, operational measures were taken in the area to neutralise identified threats.
“We emphasise that underground terrorist infrastructure was identified within the cemetery and in its surrounding area, which the IDF located and dismantled. IDF activity in sensitive areas is approved by senior ranks in the army and handled with the required sensitivity needed.”