NAZA, a film that exposes Israel’s use of AI-driven systems for targeting Palestinians in Gaza, has made waves by receiving an extraordinary 25-minute standing ovation at its debut at the Venice Film Festival. Directed by talented Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the 80-minute documentary scrutinizes the consequences of technology in warfare, marking a significant entry in the ongoing discourse about the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The Foundation of NAZA
The film is the product of a nearly three-year investigation, drawing on firsthand accounts from Israeli military and intelligence insiders who participated on the condition of anonymity. Their voices and images were digitally altered, creating a thought-provoking narrative filmed under the cover of darkness on rooftops across Tel Aviv. Abraham emphasized the importance of allowing these individuals to recount their experiences, providing a detailed account of how the lethal systems function in Gaza.
Insight into Technology and Warfare
The title “NAZA” refers to a Hebrew intelligence term denoting the anticipated civilian casualties from airstrikes. The documentary delves into an AI-integrated program known as “Lavender,” which utilizes Gaza’s monitored telecommunications to identify potential assassination targets based on phone activity and movements. One interviewee describes the operation as functioning “on a mass scale, like a factory,” while another likens it to a video game, underscoring a disturbing detachment from the reality of life and death in conflict zones.
The Ethical Implications
Through the eyes of those involved, NAZA reveals alarming truths about the destruction of civilian neighborhoods and a blatant disregard for humanitarian laws. Interviewees talk candidly about the homes they scrutinized, knowing they were occupied by families—testimonies that challenge the narrative of collateral damage in military operations. Abraham hopes the film will compel Western governments to reassess their support for Israel, urging them to apply sanctions that would bolster human rights advocacy in both Israel and Palestine.
The Film’s Impact and Reception
Critics have lauded NAZA, with Screen International calling it an “urgent, gut-punch,” and The Hollywood Reporter noting it invokes “outrage and profound disgust” towards the current Israeli administration. Produced in collaboration with the UK’s Jim Wilson and executive producer Jonathan Glazer, the film stands out as the only documentary competing at this year’s festival. It follows in the footsteps of last year’s acclaimed documentary, which also gained notable recognition.
Since the onset of Israel’s conflict with Gaza in October 2023, approximately 73,500 Palestinians have lost their lives, alongside an additional 174,500 injuries, as reported by Gaza’s Ministry of Health. Amid such tragic statistics, foreign journalists face significant restrictions on access to Gaza, complicating the already challenging task of presenting an unfiltered view of the events occurring on the ground.
NAZA carries a powerful message that hopes to evoke a larger conversation about the use of advanced technology in warfare and the ethical responsibilities of governments involved. Abraham and Szor have made it clear that the killing of civilians is not merely collateral; it is a deliberate decision that warrants global scrutiny and action. By highlighting these unsettling realities, the film seeks to shift perceptions and inspire change in international policy towards the ongoing crisis in Gaza.