GAZA CITY — Australian federal police investigators are assessing a 61-page brief detailing alleged war crimes by an Australian citizen serving in the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza during 2023 and 2024. The Australian Centre for International Justice (ACIJ) submitted the brief, which alleges the deliberate targeting and destruction of residential buildings without military justification.

The brief focuses on the destruction of a residential building in a Gaza suburb that the IDF allegedly took over, used as an operations base, laced with explosives, and then destroyed. It includes details of the individual's service history, whereabouts, alleged actions, and public statements made during operations.

Matthew Gale, the AFP's commander of special investigations, confirmed his office 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. He added, "Your letter has been referred to investigators, who will review the material and issues raised."

The ACIJ submission details three alleged breaches of the Commonwealth Criminal Code. These include engaging in conduct constituting the war crime of destruction and appropriation of property and an attack against a civilian object, each carrying a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The brief also alleges a crime against humanity through an inhumane act committed intentionally as part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population, which carries a potential prison sentence of 25 years.

The submission cites information from reports by battalion soldiers, video evidence posted online, public statements from IDF commanders, witness testimony, forensic evidence, verified satellite imagery, and social media posts. "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 ACIJ submission states.

Internal government documents circulated in 2025 between the AFP and the Attorney-General's Department indicated the federal police were aware of allegations made against Australians serving in the IDF. A briefing note prepared for Senate estimates stated, "The AFP works closely with foreign law enforcement agencies and international bodies to support investigations into allegations of Commonwealth offences occurring in foreign jurisdictions." It is not illegal for an Australian citizen to fight for a foreign military.

Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade addressed the issue during Senate estimates. Dr. Fiona Webster, acting deputy secretary, stated, "The government's position, in terms of Australian citizens with the Israeli defence force, is that the government encourages all Australians who seek to serve with the armed forces of a foreign country to carefully consider their legal obligations and ensure that their conduct does not constitute a criminal offence."