Venice gives 25-minute ovation for film on Israel's mass killing of Gaza civilians
Mass civilian deaths were routinely built into Israeli military targeting decisions in Gaza, according to a Venice Film Festival documentary unveiled on Thursday that challenges official accounts of the war. "NAZA", directed by Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, received a 25-minute standing ovation at its premiere, by far the longest of the festival so far this year.
Kosovo once sought international law for its survival, but now finds itself aiding Israel's bypass of such laws in Gaza. In a controversial move, Kosovo recently signed up for US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace and the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) for Gaza. The Board hailed this as a "landmark" event, touting Kosovo's commitment to the ISF's mission and its ongoing support for President Trump's 20-Point Peace Plan.
However, Kosovo's involvement has sparked controversy within its predominantly Muslim population, with protests opposing the partnership with Israel. Prime Minister Albin Kurti, previously a left-leaning figure, now appears to align with US-Israeli interests, despite Kosovo's past reliance on international forces to protect its own citizens during the 1999 conflict.
Kosovo's decision may appear politically motivated, but conflict experts argue it lacks credibility, given the US's support for Israel's current actions in Gaza. Major General Jasper Jeffers and Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari, commanding officers of the ISF and Kosovo Security Force, respectively, signed Kosovo's inclusion in the ISF on September 7, 2026.
This move could expose both Kosovar soldiers and the government to significant legal and reputational risks, as Israel faces a potential genocide case at the International Court of Justice, of which Kosovo is a member.
Written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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