>>23713223 (pb)

Revealed: Israel bulldozed part of Gaza war cemetery containing allied graves

Satellite images and witness testimony show destruction as IDF claims it was forced to take defensive measures

Seham Tantesh - 5 Feb 2026

1/2

Israeli forces have bulldozed part of a Gaza cemetery containing the war graves of dozens of British, Australian and other allied soldiers killed in the first and second world wars, satellite imagery and witness testimony reveal.

Satellite imagery of the Gaza war cemetery in al-Tuffah, a district of Gaza City, shows extensive earthworks in the southernmost corner of the graveyard. Bomb craters can be seen around the cemetery, but in this area the destruction appears to have been more systematic.

Rows of gravestones have been removed, the topsoil has been churned up and a substantial earth berm can be seen running across the middle of the affected area. It is of a size that suggests the use of heavy equipment.

There was no sign of the earthworks in March last year, but they are clearly visible in a satellite picture from 8 August. The disturbed area is even more apparent in an image of the cemetery from 13 December. Vegetation has regrown among the ranks of gravestones covering the rest of the cemetery, but the southwestern corner remains bare, with the earth berm casting a substantial shadow over the sandy soil.

Essam Jaradah, the graveyard’s former caretaker, whose home is close by, said: “Two bulldozing operations took place at the cemetery. The first bulldozing occurred outside the cemetery walls, extending approximately 12 metres around all sides of the cemetery. These areas were entirely planted with olive trees.

“Later on, an area of slightly less than 1 dunum [1,000 sq metres] was bulldozed inside the cemetery walls, specifically in the corner of the cemetery, which contains graves of Australian soldiers. The bulldozing covered the area from the bench where foreign visitors used to sit up to the memorial monument. Bulldozers also created sand mounds that were used as earth barriers.

“I witnessed this bulldozing after the Israeli army withdrew from the area, around late April or early May.”

After being shown satellite images of the cemetery, the Israel Defense Forces said it had been forced to take defensive measures in the heat of battle.

“At the relevant time, the area in question was an active combat zone,” an army spokesperson said. “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.”

The spokesperson added: “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.”

A spokesperson for the Royal British Legion said: “We are saddened to hear that graves of British and allied personnel who bravely served in the first and second world wars have been damaged. War graves honour the memory of every member of the armed forces who has made the ultimate sacrifice and deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.”

(continued)

>>24226755

2/2

Since a ceasefire agreement in October, Gaza has been split by a “yellow line” marking the boundary between Israeli and Hamas-controlled parts of the territory, which originally ran through the cemetery but has more recently been pushed westward by Israeli forces. Despite the official proclamation of a ceasefire, Israeli troops have continued to fire on the Palestinian population, particularly anyone approaching the yellow line. More than 500 Palestinians have been reported killed since the ceasefire declaration, a quarter of whom have been children.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), which is responsible for the upkeep of the Gaza cemetery and many like it around the world, last commented on the state of the graveyard on 11 December.

“As a result of the conflict the cemetery has suffered extensive damage to headstones, memorials, boundary walls, staff facilities and storage areas,” the CWGC said. It reported damage to a memorial to the 54th (East Anglian) Infantry Division of the British army, as well as to the Indian UN memorial and the Hindu, Muslim and Turkish sections.

The satellite photos show the extent of the destruction to be even greater. There is no visible trace left of a plot just outside the main cemetery set aside for Canadian UN peacekeepers. Inside the main graveyard two whole sections of graves have been razed, of more than 100 allied soldiers killed in the second world war, the majority of them Australians, with a few British and Polish service personnel. Most had been stationed in Palestine, as it was then, with some serving in field hospitals in Gaza.

Four sections of the dead from the first world war have also been flattened. CWGC records show the affected graves are almost all British, of soldiers drawn from regiments from across the UK, killed as British divisions wrested control of Palestine from Ottoman Turkish troops, suffering high casualties particularly in Gaza.

Prof Peter Stanley, a military historian at the University of NSW Canberra, told the Guardian Australians had “not forgotten” their soldiers’ service in the Middle East.

“The Gaza cemetery is as valued and as cared for as any cemetery in the world: an enormous amount of sentiment and emotion has been invested in maintaining these cemeteries as sacred places,” Stanley said.

“The first need is to stop people in Gaza dying and to provide succour to those who have been starving and suffering for years now: this needs to be kept in proportion. But for Australians, a serious consequence of this conflict is the desecration of the graves of Australian soldiers. That might not be major in the global scheme of things, but it is definitely something Australians should be concerned about.”

Jaradah tended to the graves for 45 years: 35 as an assistant to his father, Ibrahim, and then 10 years in charge. He passed on the responsibility to his son before the start of the current conflict.

“The cemetery was considered one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Gaza. It contained diverse and beautiful trees and served as a living public space for the people of the Gaza Strip,” Jaradah said.

“I feel a sorrow like that of a child who has lost his mother. Pain and bitterness grip my heart over the cemetery, just as deeply as the pain of losing my home entirely.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/04/idf-bulldoze-gaza-war-cemetery-allied-graves-satellite-images

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/australia-pledges-to-restore-anzac-war-graves-bulldozed-during-war-in-gaza-20260205-p5nzy8.html

>>24114633

>>24156844

>>24189402

>>24193580

Jewish leader condemns graffiti attack on Andrew Hastie's office in Mandurah

Rhiannon Shine - 7 February 2026

Jewish community leaders have condemned a derogatory slur spray-painted on federal MP Andrew Hastie's electorate office in Western Australia.

Staff at Mr Hastie's office arrived to find the words 'traitor goy' spray-painted on the front of his electorate office in Mandurah, south of Perth, on Friday morning.

Perth Hebrew Congregation chief rabbi Daniel Lieberman said the term 'goy' had been used in recent years "as a derogatory term for a non-Jewish person who is too supportive of Jewish people".

In recent weeks, Mr Hastie has taken to social media to defend his support for new laws targeting hate groups, which passed with the support of the Liberals in mid-January.

After initially declaring he would not be supporting Labor's hate speech laws, which were drafted in response to the Bondi terror attack, he later voted for an amended version of the bill.

Mr Hastie's social media posts explaining his decision to vote for the bill were flooded with comments from followers denouncing his support, with some calling him a "sell out".

The Canning MP and former frontbencher has declined to comment on the graffiti attack.

'Highly un-Australian'

Federal Liberal MP and Jewish Australian Julian Leeser condemned the graffiti attack, describing it as "disgusting".

"Andrew Hastie did the right thing in voting for laws to kick out hate preachers and deal with radical Islamists and Neo-Nazis, I would have thought that was something that all Australians were opposed to," he said.

"It is very clearly, in my view, targeting Andrew for his support of Jewish Australians and all Australians in voting for laws that are designed to protect our community and deal with radical Islamists, Neo-Nazis and hate preachers."

Rabbi Lieberman said the graffiti incident was another example of vilification.

"The fact that it has been daubed on Andrew Hastie's office seems to be meaning that Andrew Hastie is controlled by the Jews or is too close to the Jewish community, and he's doing the bidding of the Jews in this hate speech legislation," he said.

"I think that in general we have a problem with vilification in our society.

"People feel like if someone has a different opinion from them, that they have the right to abuse that person and to disrupt their life.

"I find that highly un-Australian."

Mandurah Police were called to Mr Hastie's electorate office on Friday morning.

In a statement, WA Police said inquiries were ongoing and anyone with information about the incident should contact Crime Stoppers.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-07/police-investigate-graffiti-attack-on-andrew-hasties-office/106317500

>>23680280 (pb)

>>23759609 (pb)

>>23887868

>>23947379

US prosecutors seek 46-month sentence for conspiracy theorist linked to Wieambilla killers

Stephen Clarke - 7 February 2026

United States prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of almost four years for a conspiracy theorist connected to the Wieambilla killers.

Queensland police officers Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, and neighbour Alan Dare, were shot dead in an ambush at a property west of Brisbane in December 2022.

Their killers - Nathaniel, Stacey and Gareth Train - were shot dead by police in a siege at the property.

Arizona-based conspiracy theorist Donald Day, 58, was arrested by US authorities in December 2023 after it emerged he had been in contact with the Trains and had sent them messages of support on YouTube.

Day was initially facing five federal charges, including three relating to alleged threats against US police and two counts of violating firearms laws.

Those charges were dropped as part of a plea deal when Day agreed to plead guilty to possessing guns while a felon.

Court documents show prosecutors are seeking a "low-end" sentence of 46 months with three years of supervised release when Day faces court for sentencing on February 12.

Prosecutors argued the court should take into account Day's adult criminal history, which includes multiple assaults on law enforcement in and out of custody, and physical and sexual assault of other inmates.

Court documents show an applicable guideline for the offence, given Day's criminal history, is 46-57 months.

'Language of violence'

In a sentencing memorandum, prosecutors outlined Day's links to "like-minded friends who lived on a rural property in Australia," who went by the online monikers Daniel and Jane.

"Day offered support and solidarity to the Trains, stated he wished he was with them, implied law enforcement would regret the day they messed with them, and told the Trains to do what they must with determination and fury."

"…Defendant told 'Daniel' that he looked 'forward to taking the scalps of our enemies alongside' him."

When he learned of the deaths of the Trains, prosecutors said Day made an online post where he threatened to kill law enforcement officers.

At his arrest on December 1, 2023, authorities recovered nine firearms and "three buckets of ammunition with approximately 10,000 rounds".

Prosecutors also highlighted online statements made by Day.

"These days, I just watch the stupid through the keyhole, 'til it's time to centre my rifle barrel through it."

A woman who lived with Day told police he would not allow her off the property, and that he had taught her a plan for if the "devils" came to the property.

The plan involved hiding in a "gun room" where guns, ammunition and ballistic vests were stored while Day went and defended their property.

Final message

A coronial inquest into the shooting found the Trains had a "shared delusional disorder" and had been "intent" on killing at the time of the ambush.

A video message posted by Gareth and Stacey Train during the siege on December 12 allegedly addressed Day directly.

In the video, Stacey Train told "Don" they would "be home soon" and that they loved him.

Day responded that he wished "that I could be with you to do what I do best".

In another post, Day wrote that the Trains had "done exactly what they were supposed to do, and that is to kill these f*cking devils".

In his police interview, Day said he spoke with the Trains two to four times a week in the comment section of their videos.

He said they shared a belief that the evils of the world were perpetuated by police.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-07/wieambilla-shooting-daniel-day-sentencing/106317202

>>23978158

>>24022907

>>24210131

>>24218882

>>24223346

Albanese defends Herzog visit as Minns invokes rare police powers

Michaela Whitbourn and Mike Foley - February 7, 2026

1/2

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended his decision to invite Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Australia, as the NSW government invoked rare police powers ahead of planned protests when he arrives in Sydney this week.

Albanese acknowledged there were mixed views about Herzog’s visit among the community but said he was coming as a statesman of Israel, arguing his position was equivalent to Australia’s governor-general.

“President Herzog is coming in the context of the devastating antisemitic terrorist attack that occurred at Bondi,” the prime minister said on Saturday. “The visit of President Herzog is to support the Jewish community at what has been a very difficult time.”

Herzog was invited by Albanese to visit Australia after the Bondi terror attack in December. The pair will meet with the families of victims of the Bondi attack and hold talks with political leaders.

The visit has prompted pro-Palestine activists to prepare for a nationwide day of protests to coincide with Herzog’s arrival on Monday. A United Nations commission of inquiry found Herzog and other Israeli officials were “liable to prosecution for incitement to genocide” for comments made after the October 7 attack by Hamas in 2023.

Albanese said people “have the right to express their views” in democracies like Australia and Israel, but he hoped people were respectful of the purpose of the visit.

Premier Chris Minns called for calm, respect and co-operation as he announced additional powers for police to separate and move on crowds in Sydney during the visit. The city’s protest restrictions were also extended last week.

“It’s really important that there’s no clashes or violence on the streets of Sydney,” Minns said at a press conference. “We can disagree without it resorting to clashes or violence … In fact, that would be devastating for everybody, regardless of your cause.”

The government announced on Saturday it had declared the visit a major event under the Major Events Act. The legislation is typically invoked to manage crowds during sporting events, such as March’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Minns urged people to avoid the Sydney CBD on Monday afternoon “unless it’s absolutely essential”, confirming there would be a “massive policing presence”.

On Friday, it was revealed 500 NSW Police officers had been assigned to the protest.

(continued)

>>24227931

2/2

The major events declaration was made by Tourism Minister Stephen Kamper on Friday. The powers extend from Monday to Thursday and cover a “major event area” across Sydney’s CBD and eastern suburbs.

“This is an important visit for our country, and it matters deeply to the Jewish community of NSW as they continue to mourn and recover from the horrific terrorist attack on 14 December,” Minns said.

“[We] cannot allow a situation where mourners and protesters come into close contact on city streets without strong police presence.”

Police Minister Yasmin Catley said Herzog was coming “to mourn with our Australian Jewish community” after the state “lost 15 people at the end of last year in the worst terrorist event that this country has ever seen”.

The area covered by the major event declaration was placed under additional 14-day protest restrictions by Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon last week.

Under those arrangements, police may blanket-refuse all applications for protest marches within the area, leaving participants exposed to potential criminal sanction for obstructing traffic and pedestrians.

On Saturday, Lanyon said he was aware the Palestine Action Group was proposing a rally from Town Hall through the Sydney CBD, in an area unauthorised for a march. He said police had offered to facilitate a march from Hyde Park north through to the south of Sydney.

“We are very keen to ensure a safe and responsible protest,” he said.

Lanyon said the declaration gave police greater powers to “give directions to people to move out of an area” and to conduct searches, but they did not intend to use them “unless we need to”.

In a statement, Palestine Action Group Sydney said it would “be exercising [its] democratic and lawful right to protest against the touring of a war criminal”, criticising Minns’ decision to invoke the rare powers ahead of the visit.

“We call on the NSW Police to facilitate a peaceful march to NSW parliament, which is within their power,” the group said.

More than a dozen state and federal politicians, including NSW Labor upper house MPs Stephen Lawrence and Cameron Murphy and several Greens MPs, have written to Lanyon to express support for the planned march from Town Hall to Parliament House.

The state government said the major event powers would allow police to “maintain separation between different groups, and reduce the risk of confrontation in busy parts of the city”.

“These arrangements are not a ban on protests or marches. People retain the right to express their views lawfully,” its statement read.

Under the legislation, police may “limit the number of persons who may enter a major event area” or any part of it, and prohibit “categories of persons” from entering the area.

Penalties for failure to comply include fines of up to $5500.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/nsw/minns-invokes-special-powers-ahead-of-israeli-president-visit-20260207-p5o0b4.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdV_L5lx3hs