Israeli directors and journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor’s documentary NAZA won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday.
The film, which takes its title from the Israeli military acronym for “collateral damage,” is based on interviews with 24 Israeli soldiers and officers who the filmmakers say were involved in planning and operating systems used during the war in Gaza. The documentary alleges that Israel’s military operations have resulted in systematic mass civilian casualties. Israel has rejected the allegations.
The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit on Friday categorically rejected the claims raised in the documentary, saying the film relied on anonymous testimonies from individuals whose identities and military roles could not be verified.
“According to the publications, the film relies on anonymous testimonies from individuals whose identities cannot be verified, including whether they served in the IDF, in what capacity, or whether they were involved in the matters about which the allegations are being made,” the statement said.
The military said the documentary included claims regarding national and military strategy that were “clearly beyond the knowledge of junior-level soldiers,” and said it contained references to situations in which IDF Intelligence Directorate soldiers allegedly interviewed for the film “by definition would not have been involved.”
IDF disputes allegations of deliberate civilian harm
The IDF also criticized what it called the “incorrect use of legal terminology by individuals who are not legal professionals,” as well as “internal and absurd contradictions,” including claims that unintended harm resulting from lawful attacks was carried out deliberately or constituted part of “genocide.”
The IDF said it operates in Gaza to protect Israeli civilians while targeting terrorist organizations, primarily Hamas, “in accordance with international law and the laws of armed conflict.” The military said it strikes military targets and makes “unprecedented efforts to minimize harm to civilians,” while accusing Hamas of embedding its operatives and military infrastructure within civilian areas.
“When specific suspicions of violations of the law by an IDF soldier arise, the IDF is fully committed to investigating them and bringing those responsible to justice through independent enforcement mechanisms,” the statement said.
The military added that soldiers who witness potential violations must report them so investigations can be considered, including individuals interviewed for the documentary. Regarding allegations over the use of artificial intelligence in targeting decisions, the IDF said that “decisions regarding the selection and approval of strikes in the IDF are made by human personnel only, in accordance with IDF guidelines, and not by artificial intelligence.”
The documentary received a lengthy standing ovation following its premiere screening on Thursday, with reports saying applause lasted 24 and a half minutes. It is the second consecutive year that a film focused on the Gaza war has drawn major attention at Venice, following The Voice of Hind Rajab, which tells the story of the killing of a Palestinian child during the conflict.
Abraham responds to criticism of documentary
Speaking after the award announcement, Abraham thanked the jury and addressed criticism of the film in Israel.
“I’m thinking of all the people, the Israeli politicians and journalists back home, who are now attacking this film, and denying it without even seeing it,” Abraham said. “And so much is being done to ask us to not look at reality.”
Abraham said the Israeli intelligence officers interviewed for the documentary described the killing of Palestinians in Gaza as systematic rather than accidental.
“And the Israeli intelligence officers we spoke with told us that this mass killing is systemic. Not by accident. But by design,” he said. “Actions of murder and policies that are based on total dehumanization of Palestinians.”
He added that Palestinian journalists had documented events in Gaza from the beginning of the war and accused Israel of silencing their voices.
“This truth has been documented and known from the very first day, thanks to Palestinian journalists,” Abraham said. “More than 200 of them were killed by Israel in Gaza. Their voices were silenced and denied.”
“We believe that the denial of a crime is what helps it persist,” he added.
Abraham calls for international audiences to watch documentary
Abraham called on audiences in Israel, Europe, and the United States to watch the film, saying it was particularly important for Israelis because “it’s our country that is doing these crimes.”
“It’s really important that Europeans watch it, especially here in Italy, because your government and the German government are blocking pressure on Israel that can end this,” Abraham said, adding that it is also important “that Americans watch it, because that country is funding much of the killing.”
Reuters contributed to this report.