Israeli Filmmakers Counter Gaza War Narrative With New Documentary

Three Israeli creators have released a documentary titled "NAZA - The Real Story" in response to the film "NAZA," which was screened at the Venice Film Festival and has been distributed globally, accusing Israel of alleged wrongdoings in Gaza. The new film, presented as a counter-narrative, aims to present what its creators claim is the truth about Israel's actions, utilizing firsthand testimonies and evidence from the ground.

The documentary is spearheaded by Lt. Col. (res.) Roi Danino, advocacy activist Ariel Aberbach, and Haggi Gutman. It features interviews with IDF commanders and intelligence officers, alongside captured materials, operational documentation, and video footage from the Gaza conflict. The creators stated, "No more narratives. Testimonies, documentation, and evidence from the field. The Israeli truth is coming to the world."

"NAZA - The Real Story" seeks to shift the focus from defending Israel to questioning Hamas's methods. The film reportedly highlights alleged Hamas tactics, such as using civilian structures for combat, operating fighters in civilian attire, storing weapons in civilian buildings, and exploiting humanitarian aid. The creators described their film as "offensive, not defensive," aiming to expose how Hamas allegedly embedded the civilian population within the combat zone.

Filmed partly in secret on Tel Aviv rooftops, the documentary includes interviews, captured materials, and operational footage. The creators emphasized that "truth is not found in editing rooms but in the alleys, in children's rooms turned into rocket warehouses." The film is available with English subtitles and is being translated into other languages to reach a global audience, positioning itself as a tool in the ongoing battle for the international narrative surrounding the conflict.