NAZA Filmmakers Defend Gaza Documentary Amid Threats

Filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor defended the findings of their documentary, NAZA, at its North American premiere in New York City on Saturday, September 27, 2026. The film, which critically examines Israel's systemic killing of Palestinians in Gaza, has faced protests in Israel and threats from Israeli officials who have suggested stripping the filmmakers of their citizenship. NAZA features testimony from 24 anonymized Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers who were involved in the surveillance and remote killing of Palestinian civilians. These individuals describe the use of artificial intelligence-powered systems employed to select targets for airstrikes. The documentary's title, NAZA, is an acronym reportedly used euphemistically by Israeli intelligence to denote the anticipated number of civilian casualties in an airstrike. These strikes are frequently carried out at night, targeting private residences and often resulting in the deaths of entire families, including children. The film's premiere in New York follows its earlier screening and critical acclaim at other international festivals, including the Venice Film Festival. The Guardian is listed as a producer of the film. The directors, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, are Oscar-winning filmmakers. The documentary's revelations have sparked significant debate and controversy, particularly within Israel, where some officials have reacted strongly to its portrayal of military operations. The film's focus on AI-driven targeting systems and the ethical implications of such technology in warfare is a central theme. The anonymization of the Israeli soldiers and intelligence officers involved in the film underscores the sensitive nature of the information presented and the potential repercussions for those who speak out. The documentary aims to shed light on the methods and technologies used in recent conflicts in Gaza, providing a platform for internal critiques of military practices. The threats against the filmmakers highlight the contentious political climate surrounding discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges faced by those who seek to document and report on it. The North American premiere in New York provided an opportunity for public engagement with the film's subject matter and for the filmmakers to address the concerns and criticisms raised.