Full Breakdown
Destruction of Gaza War Cemetery Threatens Resting Place of 22 Canadian Peacekeepers
6/24/2026, 10:13:04 PM
The Ongoing Damage to the Gaza War Cemetery
Aerial and satellite images show that the Gaza War Cemetery in Tuffah, Gaza City—home to 22 Canadian peacekeepers—has been damaged by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Since August 2023, the IDF has destroyed headstones, built berms, parked armored vehicles, and detonated explosives that created a crater and collapsed the archway marking the Canadian plot. An IDF 401st Brigade officer said troops dug 20-30 metres to collapse a Hamas tunnel beneath the site, without precautions for the graves.
Historical Context of the Canadian Burials
The 22 servicemen died during the UN’s major peacekeeping mission after the 1956 Israeli invasion of Egypt. They were the last Canadians buried overseas; a 1970 policy change ended overseas interments. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) administers the cemetery, tended for generations by the Jaradeh family.
Families and Local Caretakers Speak Out
Sisters of the buried soldiers—Lia Bons (Adriaan Bons) and Marguerite Picard (Paul Picard)—describe the site as “nothing but dirt, gravel, sand” and call for repatriation. Jaradeh family, caretakers, fled to Egypt as the IDF advanced, leaving the graves unattended.
Official Statements & Responses
Global Affairs Canada said Canada is “deeply troubled” by the damage and stresses preserving sites. Veterans Affairs noted that lack of access prevents forensic assessment. Both ministries declined to comment on confidential diplomatic communications.
Impact and Calls for Repatriation
Families say the destruction deepens their grief, calling the damage “devastating” and demanding that the remains be returned to Canada for burial with their parents.
Key Dates
Key dates: 1956 – UN peacekeeping begins after Israeli invasion of Egypt; 1970 – Canada ends overseas burial policy; 1986 – Adriaan Bons’s father visits cemetery; Aug 2023 – satellite image shows site intact; Aug 4-5 2025 – IDF detonates explosives under Canadian plot, creating crater; Aug 7 2025 – IDF posts demolition video; Apr 5-16 2026 – archway to Canadian plot destroyed.
Data & Statistics
Twenty-two Canadian peacekeepers lie in the cemetery. IDF excavations reached 20-30 metres. Damage is documented in 2023, 2025, and 2026.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The IDF says the operation targeted a Hamas tunnel and did not consider grave protection, while Canadian officials stress respect for war graves. The CWGC cannot assess the site, leaving damage unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's like there's no headstones anymore. It just looks like dirt, gravel, sand,” — Lia Bons, sister of Adriaan Bons
- “I'm quite certain that my parents would want my brother to be repatriated,” — Marguerite Picard, sister of Paul Picard
- “Canada is deeply troubled by reports that the Gaza War Cemetery was damaged," Brittany Fletcher of Global Affairs Canada told CBC News.” — Brittany Fletcher, Global Affairs Canada
- “(Stephanie Jenzer/CBC) "The lack of access to the Gaza War Cemetery is still preventing confirmation of damage, forensic assessment or timelines," Josh Bueckert of Veterans Affairs told CBC News.” — Josh Bueckert, Veterans Affairs Canada
What Lies Ahead
Canada says it remains in contact with local authorities and the CWGC, while families await repatriation decisions. Ongoing satellite monitoring and diplomatic talks will shape future preservation or exhumation actions.
