Documentary 'NAZA' Highlights Israeli Military Practices Amid Gaza Conflict
The documentary 'NAZA', debuting at the New York Film Festival, features interviews with Israeli military personnel about targeting practices in Gaza and has sparked controversy over potential repercussions for its directors.
A new documentary titled "NAZA" is set to screen at the New York Film Festival beginning September 26, with limited theatrical releases scheduled for New York on September 30, Los Angeles on October 9, and a broader U.S. rollout thereafter. The film, co-directed by Rachel Szor and Yuval Abraham, includes interviews with 24 Israeli military intelligence officers who discuss operational procedures related to airstrikes in Gaza.
According to the directors, the officers describe a system that assigns a numeric code, referred to as "NAZA," to estimate civilian casualties in planned strikes. The documentary alleges that the estimates are derived from surveillance data, including building information and AI analysis of cellular signals, to identify individuals deemed associated with Hamas.
One interviewee reportedly compared the targeting process to a video game, while another affirmed that the actions could be classified as genocide. The filmmakers say the interviews were conducted under conditions of anonymity, with voices altered and recordings made at night on rooftops in Tel Aviv.
Israeli authorities have reportedly threatened to revoke the citizenship of Szor and Abraham if they return to Israel, a move the directors interpret as an attempt to suppress the documentary's content. The film has drawn attention from musicians and public figures who have expressed support for Palestinian civilians, adding to the broader cultural response to the conflict.
"The data we collect allows us to predict who might be linked to hostile activities, even if the likelihood is low," an officer told the filmmakers.
"Yes, absolutely," another officer responded when asked whether the systematic killings constitute genocide.
The documentary aims to present the perspectives of Israeli officials alongside documented evidence of civilian harm in Gaza, a region that has experienced extensive destruction since the October 7 escalation. Critics note that the film's language is highly charged and that some claims rely on anonymous sources.
The release of "NAZA" coincides with increased public discourse about the Gaza conflict, and its producers hope the film will contribute to ongoing debates about military conduct and civilian protection.