Israeli filmmakers defend Gaza documentary amid threats and US funding claims
Co-directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor presented their film Naza at the New York Film Festival on Saturday while facing threats from Israeli officials.
Documentary reveals targeting systems
The 80-minute film details how military planners use AI to select targets for airstrikes in Gaza. Testimony from 24 anonymized soldiers describes night raids on private homes that kill multiple family members at once. The project name comes from an acronym used by Israeli intelligence to estimate expected civilian deaths.
Premiere draws large audience
Co-directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor received a standing ovation during the North American premiere in New York. The screening took place on Saturday night before the festival director led a brief question and answer session. Audience members reacted with cheers after hearing statements about US financial support for the Israeli government.
Filmmakers face legal threats
Israeli officials have threatened to strip the directors of their citizenship following the release of the documentary. The film builds on reporting published by The Guardian and other outlets between 2023 and 2025. It is set to stream for free on The Guardian website after releasing in over 50 territories.
All 3 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- Middle East Eye
- Variety
- The Guardian
Reported by
3 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.
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Middle East Eye
As elections loom, Naza controversy strikes at the heart of Israel's crisis
middleeasteye.net → -
Variety
‘NAZA’ Co-Director Yuval Abraham Calls Out the U.S. Government for ‘Funding’ Israel’s Destruction of Gaza, Telling NYFF Audience: ‘This Is What Your Country Is Supporting’
variety.com → -
The Guardian
NAZA film-makers address threats at documentary’s New York City premiere
theguardian.com →