Filmmakers to Release Gaza Documentary Online for Free Amid Controversy

Following a public outcry and threats to revoke their citizenship, the creators of the documentary "Nezar" (Gaza) have announced they will release the film online for free and without time limits starting in November. Yuval Abraham, one of the film's directors, stated that the decision was made with The Guardian newspaper to ensure public access to the film and the testimonies of Israeli soldiers it features. The documentary, which won a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival, examines the Israeli military's open-fire policy in Gaza, based on anonymous testimonies from soldiers. Its festival win sparked significant controversy in Israel, with Culture Minister Miki Zohar vowing to pursue the revocation of Abraham and co-director Rachel Shore's citizenship.

Abraham addressed the criticism, asserting that the film is based on three years of comprehensive, verified journalistic research and that "many untrue things were said about us and the film." He explained that the documentary was made to foster public discussion about the government's actions in Gaza, the high civilian death toll, and the normalization of a war of annihilation. He emphasized that acknowledging the events in Gaza does not diminish the atrocities of October 7th, for which Hamas is responsible, and that ignoring the situation in Gaza contributed to the events of that day.

Abraham also defended the film against accusations of betrayal, stating, "Journalism is not betrayal. Criticism is not betrayal. It is the duty of every citizen whose government commits crimes to know, and of every soldier who witnessed them to tell." He urged soldiers who witnessed events in Gaza to come forward and testify, even if it is frightening. He rejected the claim that the film harms Israel's public relations efforts, arguing that "crimes are not explained, they are stopped" and that concealing the truth harms Israeli society and allows harm to Palestinians to continue.

Abraham noted the personal cost of creating the film, having written about the military's open-fire policy in Gaza for three years with little attention in Israel until now. He expressed that the current attention, despite the personal difficulties, is positive and healthy. He concluded by stating that the threats would not deter him and Shore, and they would return to Israel to continue advocating for the country's future. The film has drawn sharp criticism from various Israeli figures, including former hostages Omer Shacham Tov and Elie Cohen, who have spoken out against its portrayal of IDF soldiers.