RSL 'monitoring possible damage' to Gaza War Cemetery

Authorities are closely monitoring reports of possible damage to Australian war graves damaged in Gaza.

There are 263 Australians among 3691 people who have been laid to rest at the Gaza War Cemetery.

The Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) said due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, they were unable to confirm the "unverified reports of damage to some graves".

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The RSL said in a statement the situation in Gaza was "tragic", and "it wishes to see the release of hostages and an end to the fighting as soon as possible".

"The league understands that there has been no direct targeting of the cemetery but remains concerned at the potential for damage," the RSL said.

The situation will continue to be monitored with liaison with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Australian government, who maintain the cemetery.

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Israel launched its military offensive on October 7 after the militant group Hamas, which governs Gaza, attacked southern Israel.

At least 1200 people were killed and more than 250 others abducted, according to Israeli authorities.

Since then, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians – including more than 16,400 children, 115 of them newborns – and wounded more than 92,000, according to the Ministry of Health there.

- Reported with CNN