Israeli documentary 'NAZA' exposes soldiers' Gaza testimonies, faces backlash

Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor premiered their documentary "NAZA" at the Venice Film Festival in September 2026, where it won the Special Jury Prize and received a record 25-minute standing ovation. The film compiles anonymous testimonies from 24 Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers describing deliberate targeting strategies in Gaza over three years.

The title derives from the Hebrew term "Nezek Agavi," meaning "collateral damage." Soldiers recount receiving authorization for hundreds of civilian casualties while pursuing single targets, with one officer citing approval for at least 500 "collateral damage" deaths in a single strike. Abraham stated the film reveals a "systemic massacre" based on "total dehumanization of Palestinians."

“This massacre is systemic, based on the total dehumanization of Palestinians”

Following the premiere, Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar announced proceedings to revoke the directors' citizenship, calling the film "vile" and designed to "garner applause from the antisemitic world." Zohar thanked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for confirming the citizenship revocation process.

In response to threats and violent riots targeting the filmmakers, Abraham announced on X that "NAZA" will be released online for free in November 2026 via The Guardian. The directors also offered the film to Israeli cinemas at no cost. Abraham emphasized the documentary is based on three years of verified, cross-checked investigation into the killing of over 73,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians.