Israeli whistleblowers detail Gaza civilian toll

Mass civilian deaths were routinely built into Israeli military targeting decisions in Gaza, according to 'NAZA', a documentary unveiled at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday that draws on testimony from Israeli intelligence officers and soldiers.

Directed by Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, the film takes its title from an Israeli military term referring to the expected number of collateral casualties in air strikes. It received a 25-minute standing ovation at its premiere, the longest at the festival so far.

The documentary features anonymous testimonies alleging that Israel used an AI-assisted targeting system drawing on data from thousands of hacked mobile phones. One officer said the system could identify targets in civilian areas, including family homes.

The film also alleges that civilians were killed in Israeli-designated no-go zones, including near aid distribution centres. One officer said residents were not informed about the locations of such zones, adding: "They have to learn with blood."

Gaza health authorities say more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel's military campaign, which began in October 2023. Israel accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields, a claim the group denies.

Several officers interviewed in the film draw parallels between what they witnessed in Gaza and historical patterns of dehumanisation, including the Holocaust.