Israeli documentary NAZA wins Venice Jury Prize, challenges IDF Gaza civilian death claims

The Israeli documentary "NAZA," directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. The film, whose title is an Israeli military acronym for “collateral damage,” features interviews with 24 Israeli soldiers and officers and alleges systematic mass civilian casualties in Gaza. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit rejected these claims, stating the film relies on anonymous, unverified testimonies and contains "internal and absurd contradictions." The IDF maintains it operates in Gaza in accordance with international law, targeting terrorist organizations while making "unprecedented efforts to minimize harm to civilians." Director Yuval Abraham, in response to criticism, stated that Israeli intelligence officers interviewed described the killing of Palestinians as "systemic. Not by accident. But by design." He urged international audiences to watch the film.