Tel aviv: Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar has threatened to revoke the citizenship of the filmmakers behind the documentary "No Other Land" (known as "Naza"), which documents Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. This announcement comes shortly after the film's success at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival in Italy, where it won the "Special Jury Prize."
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the film's victory has sparked controversy, with Minister Zohar expressing his outrage on the platform X. He described the film's win as "appalling" and labeled the filmmakers as "despicable," vowing to take action against them for what he considers treason against the state. The documentary, produced by *The Guardian* and directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has been at the center of a heated debate in Israel.
The documentary "No Other Land" received a standing ovation lasting 25 minutes during its screening at the Venice Film Festival before being awarded. Director Yuval Abraham claims that a smear campaign is underway in Israel to prevent the film's information from being shared. He highlighted the ongoing conflict, stating that at least six Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since the festival began.
Shot covertly over three years, the film offers an in-depth look into the surveillance systems employed during Israeli military offensives. It features testimonies from individuals who detail the use of artificial intelligence by occupation forces to identify potential targets, often resulting in civilian casualties. The film also includes accounts from members of the occupation forces who describe witnessing residential areas being destroyed and civilians being killed during food distribution efforts.
The documentary highlights the role of a secret intelligence unit, with some members reportedly having direct communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The film's release has coincided with a reported rise in casualties in the Gaza Strip. Medical sources indicate that the death toll has increased to 1,369 since the ceasefire on October 11, with 4,627 people injured. Overall, the conflict has resulted in 73,783 deaths and 174,738 injuries since October 7, 2023.