IDF Denies Film's Claim of Approved Strike Risking 500 Civilian Lives

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have vehemently denied a claim made in the documentary film "Naza" (Accompanying Damage) that an airstrike was authorized in Gaza with a potential risk to up to 500 civilian lives for the elimination of a single militant. The IDF spokesperson stated that the assertion is "completely false" and lacks any factual basis or independent verification. The military also questioned the credibility of the anonymous interviewee, noting that their identity, service, position, and involvement in decision-making processes could not be confirmed.

The IDF emphasized that such a strike was never planned, approved, or executed, suggesting the filmmakers chose to highlight this unverified claim to promote their movie. "Draw your own conclusions about the rest of the content," the IDF press service commented.

The documentary "Naza," by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, features anonymous interviews with 24 individuals identified as soldiers or intelligence personnel. One participant alleges that a target was permitted for destruction even with an anticipated 500 civilian casualties.

The film premiered on September 10 at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a special jury prize. The IDF had previously issued a strong rejection of the film's allegations, reiterating the difficulty in verifying the anonymous sources. The army also stressed that target selection and approval are human decisions, not made by artificial intelligence as the film suggests.