Hamas Urges ICC to Use NAZA Film as Proof of Israeli Genocide

Hamas has appealed to the International Criminal Court (ICC), UN bodies, and human rights organizations, urging them to use the documentary film NAZA as evidence in the ongoing case accusing Israel of genocide. The militant group stated that the film's significance lies in its use of testimonies from enemy soldiers, including those from military intelligence, who were involved in surveillance and target selection, detailing how Israeli strikes were approved. Hamas noted the film's positive reception at the Venice Film Festival, asserting that its content should not merely evoke sympathy but should invigorate the investigation into alleged Israeli war crimes.

The documentary NAZA, created by Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, is based on anonymous interviews with 24 individuals identified as soldiers or intelligence personnel. One interviewee claimed that in a specific instance, the destruction of a target was permitted even with an anticipated civilian death toll of 500. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 10, where it received a special jury prize.

In Israel, the film was widely condemned as a blood libel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded on the evening of September 16 with a video statement announcing his intention to advance legislation that would strip citizenship from individuals who defame IDF soldiers and the State of Israel. "We will revoke the citizenship of those who defame IDF soldiers around the world, and we will hit them hard in their pockets," Netanyahu stated. He also indicated plans to promote two government-backed bills, one of which proposes a twentyfold increase in the maximum compensation for defamation lawsuits, removing the need to prove actual damages.