Naza review: Israeli testimonies expose machinery of killing in Gaza

Naza is a powerful and disturbing documentary set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival, exposing the brutal reality of Israeli actions in Gaza. The film, directed by Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, brings together a group of anonymous witnesses who recount their roles in the systematic destruction of Gaza. These individuals, whose identities have been protected, discuss the use of civilian collateral damage during air strikes, with the term "Naza" used to describe the death toll in targeted attacks.

For instance, "15 Naza" signifies 15 civilian deaths, and "20 Naza" is considered an acceptable number of casualties in an Israeli military operation. One witness even admits to deliberately killing civilians, including children, while another expresses discomfort at his involvement but justifies it by stating that if he hadn't been there, someone else would have.

The testimonies, set against the backdrop of Tel Aviv's skyline, serve as a stark reminder of the apathy that can develop when soldiers are tasked with erasing an entire population from history. The documentary raises questions about the morality of modern warfare and whether the actions of Israeli forces constitute genocide.