Israel Protests Film Accusing IDF of Civilian Deaths in Gaza

The controversial documentary "Nezah," which accuses Israel of killing civilians in Gaza, is set to premiere in North America at the New York Film Festival. The film, which has already generated significant debate, will have its North American debut on Saturday, with further screenings planned across the United States.

In response, the Israeli Consulate in New York and the Israeli American Council (IAC) are organizing a protest rally near Lincoln Center, where the screening is scheduled. The Israeli Consulate, led by Consul General Ofir Akunis, is preparing a campaign in Times Square featuring large screens displaying images of victims from the October 7th Hamas attack. Additionally, trucks will be stationed outside each screening venue, projecting messages against the film and showing graphic footage from "October 7: Bearing Witness to the Massacre," including material filmed by Hamas terrorists.

Consul General Akunis stated, "On behalf of the victims of the October 7 massacre, the heroic IDF soldiers who fell defending Israel, the thousands wounded, and all citizens of Israel, we will push back against the lies of this film. What audacity and insensitivity to screen this on the eve of the anniversary of the barbaric massacre."

Yuval Abraham, one of the film's creators, defended the documentary on social media, asserting it is based on three years of comprehensive, verified journalistic research. He explained the film aims to spark public discussion about the government's actions in Gaza, the deaths of over 73,000 people, and the normalization of a war of annihilation. Abraham added that acknowledging the atrocities in Gaza does not diminish the October 7th massacre, for which Hamas is responsible, and that ignoring the situation in Gaza contributed to the events of that terrible day. He insisted that threats would not deter them and that they would continue to fight for the future of the region.

The film, "Nezah" (Accidental Damage), by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, previously won the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. It features testimonies from 24 IDF officers who describe alleged Israeli systems and procedures used to harm and kill civilians in Gaza. The film received a lengthy standing ovation at its Venice premiere.