Israeli documentary NAZA wins Venice Jury Prize, challenges IDF Gaza civilian death claims

In a significant victory at the Venice Film Festival, Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor were awarded the Special Jury Prize for their documentary "NAZA." The film, which draws its name from the Israeli military term for "collateral damage," delves into the experiences of 24 Israeli soldiers and officers who participated in the planning and execution of military operations during the war in Gaza.

The documentary asserts that Israel's military actions have led to a systematic surge in civilian casualties—a claim strongly refuted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF spokesman's unit categorically denied the allegations, stating that the film's claims were based on unverified anonymous testimonies and that the documentary's content included matters that would be beyond the understanding of junior-level soldiers.

The IDF also criticized the documentary for its incorrect use of legal terminology, contradictions, and allegations of deliberate harm, which the military maintains are a result of lawful attacks aimed at protecting Israeli civilians and targeting terrorist organizations, primarily Hamas. Despite the IDF's vehement denial, the documentary garnered a standing ovation upon its premiere, lasting 24 and a half minutes.

This marks the second consecutive year that a film centered on the Gaza conflict has received significant attention at the Venice Film Festival, following the acclaimed "The Voice of Hind Rajab," which documented the killing of a Palestinian child during the conflict. Abraham, one of the film's directors, responded to criticism by highlighting the testimonies of Israeli intelligence officers who described the killings in Gaza as systematic and deliberate, rather than accidental.

He also pointed out that Palestinian journalists had documented events in Gaza from the outset of the war, accusing Israel of silencing their voices. Abraham urged international audiences to view the documentary, emphasizing its importance for both Israelis and global observers, particularly those in Europe and the United States, who he believed could pressure Israel to end its actions.