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  • mk2 Films Launches Sales on Venice Gaza Documentary ‘NAZA’

    mk2 Films Launches Sales on Venice Gaza Documentary ‘NAZA’

    mk2 Films Launches Sales on Venice Gaza Documentary NAZA

    Eight months after No Other Land made Oscar history, its co-directors are back with a new documentary from Gaza. NAZA, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has been added to the main competition at the 82nd Venice Film Festival—a rare slot for a documentary. mk2 Films, the Paris-based sales agent, is launching world sales ahead of the world premiere.

    A Late Addition to Venice’s Main Competition

    The 82nd Venice International Film Festival, running from August 27 to September 6, 2025, added NAZA to its competition line-up at the last minute. The film, a documentary on Gaza, joins a slate dominated by fiction features—a rarity for Venice, which historically favors auteur cinema. The late announcement suggests either a rushed post-production to capture the ongoing crisis or a strategic slot to maximize impact.

    The Filmmakers: From Oscar Win to Gaza

    Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, both Israeli journalists, previously co-directed No Other Land with Basel Adra and Hamdan Ballal. That film, chronicling the demolition of Masafer Yatta in the West Bank, won the Berlinale Documentary Film Award and the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2025. The film’s Oscar win was a political flashpoint, with debates over Israeli filmmakers documenting Palestinian suffering. Now, NAZA shifts focus to Gaza, continuing their documentation of life under occupation and conflict.

    mk2 Films: Continuing the Partnership

    mk2 Films handled sales for No Other Land in several territories, so the partnership with NAZA is a natural continuation. The company is known for prestige festival titles and strong European theatrical distribution. With the post-Oscar bump, NAZA‘s commercial ceiling is higher, and mk2 is likely targeting theatrical, streaming, and broadcast deals across multiple territories.

    What to Expect from NAZA

    While specific plot details remain under wraps, the film’s subject matter is Gaza. The challenge of making a documentary about an ongoing war is shaping narrative without an ending. Will NAZA employ personal testimony, observational verité, or archival footage? The filmmakers’ previous work combined intimate portraits with political context. How they adapt their style to the chaos of Gaza—where safety is a constant concern—will be a key question.

    The Political and Ethical Stakes

    The film arrives amid the Israel–Hamas war (October 2023–present), with Gaza’s humanitarian crisis dominating global headlines. The filmmakers have faced criticism from both sides: some Palestinian filmmakers question Israeli filmmakers telling their stories, while Israeli authorities have been hostile to their work. NAZA will likely reignite debates about representation, funding, and the role of Israeli filmmakers in documenting Palestinian suffering.

    The Venice Platform

    Venice has rarely placed documentaries in its main competition, though Sacro GRA won the Golden Lion in 2013. The festival’s embrace of NAZA signals a growing acceptance of documentary as a competitive art form. For mk2 Films, a Venice premiere offers global media attention and access to top-tier buyers. The film’s world premiere date and screening slot will be announced closer to the festival.

    NAZA is more than a follow-up to an Oscar winner—it is a test of how cinema can respond to an ongoing humanitarian catastrophe. With Venice as its launchpad and mk2’s sales machinery behind it, the film is poised to be one of the most talked-about documentaries of the year. Whether it can transcend the political noise and reach audiences as a work of art remains to be seen.

    Summary

    • NAZA, directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, is a new documentary on Gaza, added late to the Venice 2025 main competition.
    • mk2 Films is handling world sales, continuing their partnership from No Other Land.
    • The film follows the Oscar-winning No Other Land and faces high expectations and political scrutiny.
    • Venice’s rare documentary competition slot signals growing acceptance of non-fiction in top-tier festivals.
    • Production details and world premiere date are yet to be confirmed.

    FAQ

    Q: Is NAZA a sequel to No Other Land?
    A: No, it’s a separate documentary focusing on Gaza, not a continuation of the West Bank story.

    Q: Why is a documentary in Venice’s main competition?
    A: Venice rarely includes documentaries, but NAZA‘s topical urgency and the filmmakers’ pedigree likely earned it a slot.

    Q: Who are the directors?
    A: Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, Israeli journalists who co-directed No Other Land.

    Q: What is the film’s subject?
    A: Gaza, but specific plot details are undisclosed; it will document life under conflict.

    Q: When and where will it premiere?
    A: The world premiere is expected at Venice 2025 (August 27–September 6), but the exact date is unconfirmed.

  • Even If Hamas Disarms, Gaza’s Hardest Battle Will Be Accountability

    Even if Hamas disarms, the challenge in Gaza will be accountability

    The guns may fall silent, but the harder question will remain: who answers for the dead? As ceasefire negotiations in late 2025 hinge on Hamas surrendering its weapons, the deeper challenge of post-conflict Gaza is not just disarmament but accountability. Without a mechanism to address war crimes on both sides, the cycle of violence that has defined Gaza for decades is likely to repeat. This article explores the thorny issue of accountability, why it’s being postponed, and what models might offer a path forward.

    The Disarmament Dilemma

    Hamas’s conditional willingness to disarm in exchange for a ceasefire has been a central pillar of every major peace framework floated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US. Yet even if that happens, it would only solve the military question. The deeper, more intractable problem is accountability. Over 45,000 Palestinians have died in the Israeli campaign that followed Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which killed about 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages. Those numbers cry out for justice, but no formal mechanism—no tribunal, no truth commission, no reparations framework—has been established for either side.

    Why Accountability Keeps Getting Postponed

    The logic of “pragmatic sequencing” has dominated diplomatic efforts. The argument goes: first secure a ceasefire, deliver humanitarian aid, and stabilize the security situation. Justice can come later. This was the approach in the Dayton Accords for Bosnia, where war criminals remained in power for years to ensure peace. But the risk is that “later” never comes, and grievances fester. In Gaza, each prior round of conflict—2008-09, 2012, 2014, 2021—ended with ceasefires but no accountability, and violence returned with greater intensity.

    The ICC as a Flashpoint

    The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants in May 2024 for Hamas leaders and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging war crimes including starvation as a method of warfare. But the ICC’s reach is limited. The US has shielded Israel from ICC jurisdiction, and neither Israel nor Hamas recognizes the court’s authority. The warrants are symbolic, not operational. They set a precedent but offer no immediate avenue for justice in Gaza itself.

    Models from History: What Could Work?

    History offers contrasting templates. South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission prioritized restorative justice over punishment, allowing victims to confront perpetrators in exchange for amnesty. The Nuremberg Trials imposed punitive justice on defeated leaders. Rwanda’s gacaca courts engaged local communities in judging lower-level perpetrators. None maps neatly onto Gaza, where the power imbalance between Israel and Hamas is immense, and the international community is deeply divided.

    The Palestinian Authority’s Credibility Gap

    The PA, slated to play a central role in post-war governance, is itself a problem. Polls show a majority of Palestinians want President Abbas to resign. Its historical corruption and human rights abuses, documented by Amnesty International and HRW, went unaddressed under the Oslo framework, eroding any trust in its ability to deliver accountability. A post-war PA that cannot offer justice will be seen as a collaborator, not a liberator.

    Structural Accountability: Beyond Individual Guilt

    Some argue that individual criminal accountability is less important than addressing the structural conditions that enabled the conflict: the blockade, occupation, settlement expansion, and the collapse of the two-state framework. In this view, accountability should focus on institutional reform, economic justice, and ending the siege. Without such structural change, any tribunal would be a band-aid on a festering wound.

    The Road Ahead: No Easy Answers

    There are no easy answers. Demanding accountability upfront makes negotiations impossible—neither Hamas nor Israeli leadership can agree to terms that would see them prosecuted. But deferring it indefinitely risks rewarding violence and delegitimizing any new government. The international community remains divided, with the US shielding Israel and the Global South pushing for UN mechanisms. As the dust settles, the challenge will be to build a process that acknowledges victims on both sides, addresses structural drivers, and offers a credible path to justice—without which the next round of violence is all but certain.

    Disarming Hamas is only the beginning. The harder task is building a system of accountability that can break the cycle of violence. Without it, the dead will have no voice, and the living will have no reason to believe that peace is possible. The world must find a way to deliver justice not just for one side, but for all victims—or watch Gaza burn again.

    Summary

    • Accountability mechanisms for war crimes on both sides are absent, risking future cycles of violence.
    • The ICC has issued warrants for Hamas and Israeli leaders, but they are symbolic and lack enforcement.
    • Historical models like South Africa’s TRC and Nuremberg offer different approaches, but none fit Gaza’s complex power imbalance.
    • The Palestinian Authority’s credibility crisis undermines its role in post-war governance and accountability.
    • Structural accountability addressing blockade, occupation, and economic injustice is as important as individual criminal justice.

    FAQ

    Q: Why hasn’t there been a war crimes tribunal for Gaza?
    A: No formal mechanism has been established due to political divisions, the US shielding Israel, and the practical difficulty of prosecuting both state and non-state actors. The ICC has issued warrants but lacks enforcement power.

    Q: Can Hamas disarm and still be held accountable?
    A: In theory, yes, but Hamas leadership views accountability for October 7 as a non-starter for survival. Any post-war government that tries to prosecute Hamas faces potential backlash or renewed violence.

    Q: What role can the Palestinian Authority play in accountability?
    A: The PA’s role is complicated by its unpopularity and historical failures. To be credible, it would need to reform itself and demonstrate a commitment to justice, which seems unlikely given its current leadership.

    Q: Is accountability a precondition for peace?
    A: Some argue yes, that without justice, grievances will fester. Others argue for sequencing: first peace, then accountability. History shows that delay often leads to no accountability at all, perpetuating cycles of violence.

    Q: What could a realistic accountability process look like?
    A: A hybrid model could include a truth commission to document abuses, reparations for victims, and targeted prosecutions for the most serious crimes, combined with structural reforms to address the blockade and occupation. But such a process requires international support and political will that is currently lacking.

  • West Bank Escalation Threatens Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

    West Bank Escalation Threatens Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

    In early 2025, President Donald Trump unveiled a bold new initiative for Gaza, envisioning a U.S.-led redevelopment of the coastline and the relocation of the Palestinian population. Dubbed the ‘Gaza Riviera’ plan, it promised a fresh start for the war-torn enclave. But while the world’s attention is fixed on Gaza, a quieter crisis is brewing in the West Bank—one that could unravel the entire peace effort before it even begins.

    Israeli military operations and settlement expansion in the West Bank have reached record levels, drawing sharp condemnation from the international community and Arab states. These actions, many argue, are not just a side issue but a fundamental obstacle to any lasting peace. As the Trump administration seeks Arab partners for its Gaza plan, the escalating violence and annexationist policies in the West Bank threaten to derail the entire initiative.

    The Trump Plan: A Vision for Gaza

    Trump’s plan, announced in early 2025, is a dramatic departure from traditional peace efforts. It proposes U.S. ownership and redevelopment of Gaza’s coastline, transforming it into a tourist and commercial hub. The plan also calls for the relocation of Gaza’s Palestinian population to other countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, to facilitate reconstruction. While the details remain vague, the administration has framed it as a pragmatic solution to the humanitarian crisis and a way to bring prosperity to the region.

    However, the plan has been met with widespread criticism. Arab states, the Palestinian Authority, and much of the international community view it as a violation of Palestinian self-determination and international law. The plan’s success hinges on cooperation from Arab nations, particularly Egypt and Jordan, which are reluctant to accept Palestinian refugees or endorse a scheme that bypasses Palestinian statehood.

    The West Bank: A Tinderbox

    While Gaza dominates headlines, the West Bank is experiencing its own surge of violence and instability. Since late 2023, Israeli military raids have become near-daily occurrences in cities like Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm, and Hebron. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 2024 was the deadliest year for West Bank Palestinians since records began in 2005, with over 700 killed. The operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad cells, but they have also resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

    In parallel, settler violence has escalated dramatically. Hundreds of attacks on Palestinian villages have been reported, involving arson, property destruction, and physical assault. Some of these attacks have been labeled “terrorism” by the U.S. and EU. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities have accelerated settlement expansion, approving thousands of new housing units in 2024–2025, despite international condemnation and a 2024 International Court of Justice advisory opinion declaring the occupation and settlement policies illegal.

    The Arab States’ Red Line

    Arab states, particularly Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have consistently conditioned normalization with Israel on a credible path to a Palestinian state. The West Bank is central to this vision. Settlement expansion and annexationist policies are seen as a direct threat to the viability of a future Palestinian state, making it geographically and politically impossible.

    For the Trump plan to succeed, it needs Arab buy-in—both financial and political. But Arab leaders are under immense domestic pressure to stand up for Palestinian rights. They cannot be seen as complicit in a plan that ignores the West Bank’s fate. As one diplomat put it, “You cannot sell a peace plan for Gaza while the West Bank is being set on fire.”

    The Palestinian Authority’s Dilemma

    The Palestinian Authority (PA), which administers parts of the West Bank, is in a precarious position. It is widely seen as weak and illegitimate, having lost control of several areas to armed factions. Its security coordination with Israel is deeply unpopular among Palestinians, who view it as collaboration with the occupation. The PA’s leadership is caught between Israeli military pressure and popular anger, making it an unreliable partner for any peace initiative.

    Moreover, Hamas retains significant influence in the West Bank, despite Israeli operations. The group’s resistance narrative has gained traction, and it opposes the Trump plan entirely. Any peace effort that excludes Hamas or fails to address Palestinian political rights is likely to be rejected by a majority of Palestinians.

    The Israeli Government’s Constraints

    Israel’s current coalition government includes far-right parties that openly advocate for full annexation of the West Bank and oppose any Palestinian state. These parties hold significant sway, and their leaders have threatened to collapse the government if settlement activity is curtailed or if statehood is discussed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing corruption charges and political instability, is reliant on these coalition partners to stay in power.

    This creates a fundamental tension: the Trump plan requires Israeli concessions on the West Bank to gain Arab support, but the Israeli government is structurally incapable of making those concessions. As a result, the plan may be dead on arrival.

    The Spillover Effect

    The Gaza war has had a profound spillover effect on the West Bank. Armed Palestinian groups have grown stronger, inspired by Hamas’s resistance narrative. Israeli military operations have intensified, but they have not succeeded in quelling the unrest. Instead, they have fueled further radicalization and violence.

    This cycle of violence undermines any peace effort. The West Bank is not just a side issue; it is the core of the Palestinian national struggle. Without a credible plan for the West Bank, any Gaza-focused initiative will be seen as a cynical attempt to bypass the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

    The International Legal Dimension

    The international legal framework is also a significant obstacle. The ICJ’s advisory opinion in July 2024 declared Israel’s occupation and settlement policies illegal. The ICC has pending applications for arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, and Hamas leaders for war crimes. These legal pressures make it difficult for the U.S. to sell a plan that appears to legitimize illegal actions.

    Moreover, the international community, including the EU and UN, has repeatedly called for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders. The Trump plan, which ignores these borders and the West Bank, is seen as a violation of international consensus.

    Conclusion: A Plan at Risk

    In summary, the Trump administration’s Gaza peace plan faces a formidable obstacle in the West Bank. The escalating violence, settlement expansion, and political dynamics on the ground make it nearly impossible to achieve the Arab cooperation the plan requires. Without a credible approach to the West Bank, the plan risks being dismissed as a non-starter, further entrenching the conflict and undermining prospects for peace.

    The Trump administration’s Gaza plan is ambitious, but it cannot succeed in a vacuum. The West Bank is not a peripheral issue; it is the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Unless the U.S. addresses the escalating violence and settlement expansion there, and offers a credible path to Palestinian statehood, the plan will likely fail to gain the regional support it needs. The window for a two-state solution is closing, and the West Bank may be the key to whether it slams shut for good.

    Summary

    • Israeli military operations and settlement expansion in the West Bank have escalated to record levels, drawing international condemnation.
    • Arab states, crucial to the Trump plan’s success, view West Bank policies as a dealbreaker for normalization with Israel.
    • The Palestinian Authority is weak and unpopular, while Hamas retains influence, complicating any peace effort.
    • Israel’s far-right coalition partners oppose any concessions on the West Bank, making it politically impossible for Netanyahu to compromise.
    • The international legal framework, including ICJ and ICC rulings, further undermines the plan’s legitimacy.

    FAQ

    Q: What is the Trump plan for Gaza?
    A: The plan, announced in early 2025, proposes U.S. ownership and redevelopment of Gaza’s coastline, relocation of the Palestinian population, and a long-term reconstruction program. It has been widely criticized for ignoring Palestinian self-determination.

    Q: Why is the West Bank important to the peace plan?
    A: The West Bank is central to any viable Palestinian state. Escalating Israeli operations and settlement expansion there undermine Arab support for the plan and make a two-state solution increasingly unfeasible.

    Q: How have Arab states reacted to the plan?
    A: Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have conditioned normalization with Israel on a credible path to Palestinian statehood. They view West Bank annexation and settlement expansion as a dealbreaker.

    Q: What role does the Palestinian Authority play?
    A: The PA is weak and widely seen as illegitimate. It is caught between Israeli military control and popular anger, making it an unreliable partner for peace initiatives.

    Q: Can the plan succeed without addressing the West Bank?
    A: Most analysts believe no. The West Bank is the core of the Palestinian national struggle, and any peace plan that ignores it is likely to be rejected by Palestinians and the international community.