Australian citizen in Israeli army accused of war crimes in Gaza

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed on Friday that they are reviewing a legal submission alleging that an Australian citizen serving in the Israeli military committed war crimes in Gaza, as the onslaught on the besieged Palestinian enclave passed its 1,000th day this week . According to The Guardian Australia, a 61-page submission has been provided to the AFP detailing alleged war crimes committed by an Israeli military battalion during operations in Gaza in 2023 and 2024. Prepared by the Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ), an independent legal advocacy group supporting Palestinian rights, the submission alleges the deliberate targeting and destruction of residential buildings without military justification – conduct that could constitute a war crime under Australian law. The AFP's Commander of Special Investigations, Matthew Gale, confirmed that his office had received the submission. "Noting my command's responsibility for the investigation of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, I appreciate the time taken in bringing this matter to our attention," Gale wrote. "Your letter has been referred to investigators, who will review the material and issues raised." The submission reportedly draws on witness testimony, forensic evidence from Gaza, verified satellite imagery and social media posts. It also cites reports from battalion soldiers, online videos recorded in Gaza- including footage allegedly posted by the Australian citizen and public statements made by Israeli military commanders. According to the ACIJ, the Australian national is identified in the submission. This includes details of his service history in the Israeli military, his alleged whereabouts and actions during operations in 2023 and 2024, as well as public statements he is said to have made while serving in Gaza. The Guardian Australia reported that the ACIJ submission argues: "The pattern of conduct of the Israeli military highlighted in this complaint establishes a prima facie case that the attacks against civilian property were widespread and systematic, perpetrated in a coordinated and organised manner." The submission also focuses on the destruction of a residential building in a suburb of Gaza. According to the ACIJ, the property was occupied by the Israeli military and used as a base before being rigged with explosives and demolished, citing evidence that allegedly places the Australian citizen at or near the site at the time of its destruction. The ACIJ further argues that the case should be viewed within the broader context of widespread destruction across Gaza. Citing United Nations estimates that around 92 per cent of residential buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, the organisation argues the evidence points to deliberate and reckless destruction. "The evidence indicates large-scale destruction of civilian property carried out deliberately ... after effective control had been established, potentially for reasons of convenience, reprisal, or punishment," the submission states. The New Arab approached the ACIJ for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication. The latest allegations come after the AFP announced earlier this month that it had launched inquiries into claims of abuse by Israeli officials made by Australian citizens who were abducted by the Israeli navy in international waters while aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla last month. Several Australian activists alleged they were subjected to "physical, psychological and sexual abuse" while in Israeli custody and called on Canberra to take action. The flotilla activists said the Australian government had "committed to undertaking an independent investigation" into the allegations. The claims gained renewed attention after Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video in which he mocked and threatened flotilla activists while they were shown with their hands bound. In a statement, the AFP confirmed it had "begun inquiries into allegations made by a representative of the group".