Gaza’s Genocide on Screen: A Scorned Truth Told by Israelis Themselves

The documentary Naza has been making waves since its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it received a 25-minute standing ovation and won the Special Jury Prize. Directed by Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the film is based on interviews with anonymous intelligence officers and soldiers involved in Israel’s devastating war on Gaza.

Israeli officials have reacted hysterically to Naza, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it “shocking” and accusing it of anti-Semitic incitement. Military chief Eyal Zamir accused the filmmakers of spreading “blood libels” against Israeli soldiers and commanders. Culture Minister Miki Zohar went further, suggesting that the government could press treason charges against the filmmakers and revoke their citizenship.

The allegations made in Naza – that mass civilian deaths were built into targeting decisions during the war – are hardly new or surprising. Over 73,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, most of them civilians. The reaction from Netanyahu and others is a testament to the power of truth-telling, as they attempt to silence critics and maintain the status quo by labeling Naza as anti-Semitic incitement.

This move underscores the importance of films like Naza, which expose the lies and propaganda used to justify Israel’s actions in Gaza. By making a documentary that tells the truth about their own military’s conduct, Abraham and Szor have given voice to something that has long been suppressed.

Israel has a history of silencing critics and dissenters. In 2017, a UN report found that Israel had committed “war crimes” in Gaza, but its findings were largely ignored by Western governments and media outlets. The fact that Naza has been able to get attention is a testament to the power of independent journalism.

As the investigation into Naza continues, it’s clear that Israel will stop at nothing to silence critics. However, the film’s impact will likely be felt long after the dust settles. By exposing the truth about Israel’s actions in Gaza, Naza has given voice to a generation of Palestinians who have suffered under Israeli occupation.

The real question now is what will happen next: will the filmmakers be silenced or persecuted? Or will their bravery inspire others to speak out against Israel’s actions in Gaza? The investigation into Naza may also signal the beginning of a wider crackdown on free speech and independent journalism. As Israel continues to assert its dominance over Palestine, it’s essential for journalists and filmmakers to tell the stories that need to be told.

The fallout from Naza’s release has highlighted the increasingly toxic atmosphere surrounding free speech in Israel. The country’s leadership has long been hostile to criticism of its actions, and now anyone who dares to speak out against them can expect to face repercussions.