The documentary "Naza," which focuses on the war in Gaza, drew attention after Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar made statements targeting its directors, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor. Zohar said the two directors’ citizenship could be revoked and accused them of "treason."
The film by Oscar-winning directors Abraham and Szor won the "Special Jury Prize" at the 83rd edition of the Venice International Film Festival. Following its screening at the festival, the film received a 25-minute standing ovation.
Israeli army denies responsibility
The Israeli army argued that claims attributing responsibility to it for an attack in Gaza in which 500 Palestinian civilians were killed did not reflect the truth. The army said the attack in question had not been planned, approved or carried out, and claimed that the film was not based on factual evidence.
The army also said that the identity, military background and role-related details of the person interviewed in the film could not be independently verified.
Minister says he will initiate citizenship proceedings
Zohar described the film’s award at the festival as "terrible." Accusing the directors of harming Israel and of "self-hatred," the minister said he would work to change regulations in the film sector. Zohar also said he would take action to revoke the directors’ citizenship.
Presented as a production by The Guardian, "Naza" was filmed secretly over three years on the rooftops of buildings in Tel Aviv. The participants’ identities, voices and faces were digitally concealed to ensure their safety.
Accounts concerning Gaza in the film
People interviewed in the film described alleged secret systems, surveillance methods and remote bombardments used by the Israeli army in Gaza. According to the film’s account, artificial intelligence is used to identify targets allegedly linked to Hamas, and residential buildings where families are present are also struck.
Some Israeli soldiers featured in the film also alleged that areas where civilians had taken refuge in Gaza were burned and that people were killed during food distribution. These accounts came to the fore alongside the Israeli army’s statement rejecting the film’s allegations.
In speeches at the awards ceremony, the directors said a smear campaign was being waged against their film in Israel. Abraham highlighted the role of Palestinian journalists in documenting developments in Gaza and said they wanted the film to be seen in Europe and the United States.
