Israeli Documentary on Gaza Operations Premieres at Venice Film Festival

A documentary film titled "NAZA," by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, premiered at the 83rd Venice Film Festival on September 10. The film is competing for the Golden Lion and is the sole documentary entry this year. Abraham and Shore were previously involved in "No Other Land," which won an Oscar for best documentary in 2025.

The title "NAZA" is derived from an Israeli security forces abbreviation meaning "collateral damage," referring to the estimated number of civilians who might be killed during an attack on a primary terrorist target. The film draws on investigations published by +972 Magazine, Sicha Mekomit, and The Guardian between 2023 and 2025.

"NAZA" features testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel whose identities are concealed. Interviews were conducted at night on rooftops in Tel Aviv, with participants' faces and voices altered. The directors claim these individuals discuss target selection systems in Gaza, including AI-based methods, phone tracking, and the assessment of potential civilian casualties during strikes.

According to the filmmakers, the documentary focuses on principles and procedures used in combat operations rather than isolated violations. "NAZA" was produced by The Guardian with producer James Wilson and executive producer Jonathan Glazer. Alberto Barbera, the festival's artistic director, described the film as "politically explosive and cinematically extremely interesting" prior to its screening.

Israeli authorities reject accusations of intentionally killing civilians, stating that operations in Gaza target terrorists who use civilian infrastructure for military purposes. They assert that the IDF takes measures to minimize harm to civilians.