Jerusalem Daily: Israeli strikes devastate Gaza

Naza, currently competing at the Venice Film Festival, is a brutally intense documentary that delves into the Israeli intelligence machinery behind the killings in Gaza. Drawn from anonymous testimonies, the film is a stark depiction of civilian collateral damage, offering a chilling glimpse into the psychological mindset of those who participated in the systematic destruction of Gaza.

The filmmakers, Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, along with British producer James Wilson and executive producer Jonathan Glazer, have brought together a team of experienced professionals to create this powerful work.

Using a technique of filming on rooftops at night, the documentary presents a series of shadowy figures who recount their involvement in the killings. These individuals are interviewed under pseudonyms to protect their identities, and the film employs various strategies to shield the subjects. One such figure explains that "15 Naza" refers to a military term for civilian casualties in an air strike, while "20 Naza" became a benchmark for acceptable civilian deaths during attacks.

One testimonial reveals that up to 500 civilians were deemed acceptable casualties in a single attack.

Among the interviewees, several admit to intentionally causing civilian harm, including the killing of children. Some justify their actions by stating that their roles were technical and that others would have done the same if they had not been present. One individual even reflects on how he once viewed the Nazis as pure evil and begins to question his own moral standing.

The film juxtaposes these chilling testimonies against the backdrop of the glittering skyline of Tel Aviv, creating a stark contrast that underscores the brutality of the subject matter. Some stories recounted in the documentary are so harrowing that they leave a lasting impact on the viewer, such as the account of snipers targeting Palestinians near food distribution sites, likened to playing a video game.

The film concludes with a reflection on the events of October 7, 2023, and the wider context of the conflict. One interviewee acknowledges the anger felt after the Hamas-led attacks, while another describes the scale of the destruction wrought by Israeli forces. The film's final message is one of horror and disbelief, leaving the audience with a profound sense of the inhumanity of modern warfare.