NAZA Directors Face Intensified Threats Over Gaza Documentary 2026

The Oscar-winning Israeli directors of NAZA, a documentary about Gaza's mass civilian killings, are facing intensified threats from the Israeli military, government ministers, and far-right activists. The film, produced by the Guardian, has sparked a fierce backlash within Israel, even as 43 local human rights organizations have expressed their support for the directors, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor.

What Is NAZA and Why Is It Controversial?

NAZA is named after an acronym used euphemistically by Israel's intelligence service to indicate how many civilians it expects to die in an airstrike on Gaza. The 80-minute documentary builds on revelations first published by the Israeli-Palestinian publication +972 Magazine, the Hebrew-language outlet Local Call, and the Guardian between 2023 and 2025. It won the special jury prize at this year's Venice film festival on Saturday, after receiving a 25-minute standing ovation—a festival record.

Backlash from Israeli Officials

Soon after the Venice award, the film's directors came under attack from members of Israel's government. Culture Minister Miki Zohar called for their citizenship to be revoked, accusing them of "treason against the state." Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called the directors "a disgrace," while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the film as "intolerable," saying it portrayed the Israel Defense Forces as war criminals.

On Tuesday, the IDF's chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, added his voice to the criticism, saying the film "distorts the reality" of Israel's military operations. The threats have escalated to the point where the directors fear for their safety.

Human Rights Organizations Rally Behind Directors

In response to the threats, 43 Israeli human rights organizations signed a joint statement expressing support for Abraham and Szor. The statement condemned the "incitement and threats" against the directors and defended their right to freedom of expression. "The attempt to silence them is an attack on democracy," the statement read.

Key Takeaways

• NAZA is an Oscar-winning documentary about Israel's mass killing of civilians in Gaza.
• Directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor face threats from Israeli officials and far-right activists.
• The film won the special jury prize at the Venice film festival and received a record 25-minute standing ovation.
• 43 Israeli human rights organizations have expressed support for the directors.
• Israeli officials, including the prime minister and culture minister, have condemned the film and called for the directors' citizenship to be revoked.

Comparison of Reactions to NAZA

FAQ

As the controversy continues, the directors remain defiant, stating that they will not be silenced. The international community has largely rallied behind them, with many praising the film's courage and impact.

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of pickleball paddles intermediate players, vape juice canada, baby cribs, portable apple carplay, and tasers women. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of stun gun personal defense, convertible cribs, beginner model ship kits, hepa vacuum lead dust, and electric tricycle adults. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.