Key facts
- The film NAZA details Israeli military targeting policies in Gaza and alleged civilian deaths.
- The film's creators said they spoke to over 100 sources familiar with IDF systems.
- The IDF claims the film has "substantial errors" and relies on sources with a "partial picture" of targeting processes.
- The IDF stated its rules of engagement distinguish between militants and civilians and prohibit deliberately targeting civilians.
- The Guardian stated its verification process included leaked classified documents and corroboration from confidential sources.
- Several news organizations have confirmed the IDF's use of AI-driven systems in Gaza and loosened civilian safeguards.
The team behind the documentary film "NAZA," which examines Israeli military targeting policies in Gaza and alleged civilian casualties, has revealed they consulted over 100 sources with knowledge of the military systems employed. This disclosure emerged in response to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that sought to discredit the film.
The IDF's rebuttal, based on statements from the filmmakers and a review by an attendee, asserted "substantial errors" in the documentary. The military claimed the film relied on interviews with two dozen intelligence and other troops who possessed only a limited understanding of the target approval process. The IDF reiterated its stance that its rules of engagement clearly differentiate between militants and civilians, prohibit deliberate targeting of civilians, and mandate measures to minimize civilian harm.
The IDF also denied allegations of approving or executing an attack with an anticipated 500 civilian casualties to target a single Hamas operative. This statement follows prior efforts by Israeli politicians to dismiss "NAZA," a military acronym signifying expected civilian deaths in airstrikes, which have been accompanied by threats against the film's directors, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, and calls from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to revoke their citizenship.
The Guardian, the film's producers, responded by detailing their rigorous verification process. This included reviewing leaked classified documents, verifying specific strikes, and corroborating information through a broader network of confidential journalistic sources. They stated that the 24 participants interviewed were not solely junior officers but included individuals involved in various stages of the targeting process in Gaza, from intelligence and operations to final authorization. The Guardian affirmed its full support for the film, which builds on three years of reporting, and noted that other respected news organizations, including The New York Times, Washington Post, and Associated Press, have corroborated the IDF's use of AI-driven systems and the relaxation of civilian protection safeguards in Gaza.