Gaza war documentary controversy

How the story developed

On September 10, the documentary NAZA premiered in competition at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. Directed by Oscar-winning Israeli filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the film was produced by The Guardian alongside the team behind The Zone of Interest. The title refers to an Israeli military acronym for the estimated civilian casualties of an airstrike.

The documentary features interviews with 24 anonymous Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers. These whistleblowers detailed the military's alleged use of artificial intelligence to authorize strikes in Gaza. Israel has consistently stated that it attempts to avoid civilian casualties, accusing Hamas of embedding in civilian areas.

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On September 26, it was announced that NAZA would stream for free globally on The Guardian's website following its theatrical run. Amid the film's release, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced legislation aimed at revoking the citizenship of Israelis who defame soldiers abroad.

Press freedom organizations condemned the legislative push, describing it as a dangerous escalation intended to intimidate journalists. The government's actions subsequently expanded from targeting the directors' citizenship to pursuing criminal charges against the military insiders who provided testimonies for the film.

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What to watch

• The documentary NAZA is scheduled to stream for free globally on The Guardian's website in late November.
• An ongoing criminal investigation aims to identify and prosecute the 14 active-duty and reserve personnel who testified in the film.
• Israeli officials are advancing legislation to revoke the citizenship of Israelis who defame soldiers abroad.