Israeli Documentary 'NAZA' Wins Special Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival

The documentary 'NAZA,' directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. The film alleges that the Israeli military used AI assisted systems to organize the systematic killing of civilians in Gaza. Following its premiere, the film received a standing ovation reported to have lasted between 24 and 25 minutes. The title of the film is derived from the Israeli military acronym for collateral damage.

The filmmakers state the documentary is based on interviews with 24 Israeli soldiers and officers involved in planning and operating systems during the war. Director Yuval Abraham asserted that intelligence officers described the mass killing as systemic and by design. He further stated that the continuation of normal life in Tel Aviv while these events occur is an act of violence.

The IDF Spokesperson's Unit categorically rejected the allegations. The military argued that the film relies on anonymous testimonies from individuals whose identities and roles cannot be verified. The IDF stated that the claims regarding national strategy were beyond the knowledge of junior level soldiers and contained internal contradictions. Regarding the use of technology, the IDF maintained that decisions to approve strikes are made by human personnel only and not by artificial intelligence. The military added that it operates in accordance with international law and makes unprecedented efforts to minimize civilian harm while targeting Hamas.