VENICE, Italy – At the 2026 Venice Film Festival, Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor unveiled “NAZA,” a documentary that claims Israeli military insiders describe a systematic approach to killing Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The film, the only documentary competing for the Golden Lion, was added to the festival lineup at the request of its producers to allow additional time for anonymizing the participants.
Film’s premise and production
“NAZA” draws on testimony from 24 Israeli military personnel, including intelligence officers and soldiers, who discuss surveillance systems, remote bombing, and the use of artificial intelligence to identify targets. The filmmakers shot the material in secret on Tel Aviv rooftops over three years, masking voices and faces to protect the sources.
The title references an Israeli military acronym used to denote civilian casualties. According to the directors, the documentary aims to show how the system operates rather than focus on the personal feelings of remorse or pride expressed by the interviewees.
Context and prior reporting
The film builds on reporting published between 2023 and 2025 by outlets such as +972 Magazine, the Hebrew‑language site Local Call, and The Guardian. Szor said the documentary adds visual and personal testimony to material already in the public record.
Abraham noted that the subjects varied in tone—some expressed remorse, others indifference—yet the filmmakers chose to concentrate on the mechanics of the killing system, which they say has resulted in more than 70,000 Palestinian deaths, with the actual figure likely higher.
Production partners and festival reception
Produced in partnership with The Guardian and the team behind “The Zone of Interest,” the documentary is the only entry in the competition directed by a woman. James Wilson, a festival producer, said the late addition was made to give the filmmakers time to complete the anonymization process.
During the festival, a large pro‑Palestinian protest took place, echoing the broader debate over the war. The festival also featured Kaouther Ben Hania’s “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” which won the Silver Lion for its portrayal of a six‑year‑old girl’s death while fleeing Gaza.
Official Israeli response
Israel continues to assert that its operations target Hamas and its infrastructure, emphasizing that the militant group embeds itself within civilian areas and uses civilians as human shields. An anonymous Israeli military official confirmed the use of artificial intelligence to aid target identification but maintained that a human must ultimately press the “red button” to authorize a strike.
Wilson addressed accusations that criticism of Israeli policy equates to antisemitism, stating he sees no connection between Judaism and the actions of the Israeli government.
Broader implications
The documentary’s release at a high‑profile international festival underscores the ongoing global conversation about the Gaza conflict and the role of media in documenting wartime actions. While the film presents a stark critique of Israeli military practices, Israeli officials continue to defend their tactics as necessary to combat Hamas.
“NAZA” will be screened for festival audiences ahead of the award ceremony scheduled for September 12, when the Golden Lion winner will be announced.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
