NAZA Film Trailer Released, Sparking Controversy Over Gaza Operations

The official trailer for the controversial documentary film "NAZA" (Collateral Damage) was released on Friday, September 25. Directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Shore, the filmmakers behind the Oscar-winning "No Other Land," the documentary spent three years in production, including nighttime filming on Tel Aviv rooftops. The film focuses on the mechanisms and systems allegedly responsible for the deaths and injuries of Palestinian residents in the Gaza Strip, drawing on investigations published by Local Call, +972 Magazine, and The Guardian.

"NAZA" premiered at the 83rd Venice Film Festival, where it was the sole documentary in the main competition and received a jury prize. Co-director Rachel Shore, along with Yuval Abraham and The Guardian, announced that the film would be distributed in 56 countries starting September 28 and later made available for free online viewing. Abraham and Shore also urged Israeli cinemas to screen the film without charge.

"Given the public interest and the importance of this topic, Rachel and I, together with The Guardian, decided to make the film 'NAZA' freely available online indefinitely, so that everyone can watch it and hear the testimonies of soldiers," Abraham stated. "Before this, we approached cinemas in Israel and offered them the film for free, hoping they would start showing it in the country now, in parallel with its release in cinemas worldwide."

The film features testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence personnel, whose identities are concealed. They discuss decision-making processes during the Gaza war and the use of various technological systems. The filmmakers also incorporate materials and investigations Abraham has worked on in recent years. Jonathan Glazer, the British director of Jewish descent and Oscar winner for "Zone of Interest," is among the producers of "NAZA."

Israeli security sources have refuted the film's accusations, stating that no strike during the Gaza war resulted in 500 casualties simultaneously. A security source commented on "NAZA," saying, "No one will ever authorize a strike that could result in the deaths of 500 people." Hamas, however, welcomed the film, viewing it as supportive of their narrative and calling for its use against Israel at The Hague.