Report: Israeli strike kills four Palestinians, including two children, in Gaza

Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor's documentary NAZA, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, contends that Israeli military planning in Gaza routinely factored in mass civilian casualties. The film draws its name from an Israeli military term referring to anticipated collateral damage. It is based on interviews with intelligence officers and soldiers who participated in the conflict, providing firsthand accounts that contradict official narratives.

One officer described a systematic targeting system that aimed at individuals in civilian spaces, including homes, resulting in entire villages and neighborhoods being destroyed. The officers alleged the use of an AI-assisted system, which identified targets through data from hacked mobile phones. A simple phrase like "daddy's home" could trigger an airstrike when picked up on a child's phone.

They also confirmed the existence of Israeli-designated no-go zones near aid distribution centers, where civilians were killed despite the location being undisclosed to residents. These zones often came as a devastating surprise to those caught inside. The film includes testimony comparing recent events to historical patterns of dehumanization, drawing parallels with lessons learned from the Holocaust.

Several officers interviewed drew attention to this connection, emphasizing the importance of drawing broader conclusions in a situation where the memory of the Holocaust is often used to justify Israel's actions in Gaza. The documentary filmmakers aimed to contrast the daily life in Tel Aviv with the destruction unfolding in Gaza, approximately 60 kilometers away.

They sought to highlight the disconnect between Israelis living in the commercial capital and the civilian devastation just beyond their borders. While most of the film's interviewees were from elite units and not stereotypical hardliners, they were nonetheless responsible for significant civilian casualties. Abraham expressed doubt that Israel would pursue justice for these deaths without external pressure, emphasizing the need for accountability and political will from the United States and the European Union.