Oscar-Winning Palestinian Director of ‘No Other Land’ Attacked by Israeli Settlers in West Bank: A Call for Justice

The Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, known for his work on the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land,” was reportedly attacked by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Eyewitnesses said he was assaulted and taken by Israeli soldiers, leaving many concerned about his safety.

According to Basel Adra, one of Ballal’s co-directors, he rushed to Ballal’s home in Susya after receiving a distress call. When he arrived, he witnessed Ballal being taken away alongside another individual. There were Israeli settlers throwing stones outside Ballal’s home, and soldiers preventing anyone from approaching.

Yuval Abraham, another co-director and Israeli national, shared that Ballal suffered injuries during the incident and has not been heard from since. Just earlier this month, all three co-directors stood together to accept an Oscar for their documentary, which highlights the eviction of Palestinians from their homes.

Notably, several American activists from the Center for Jewish Nonviolence were also present during the attack. They reported being targeted by settlers wielding weapons, claiming the settlers attacked them without provocation. One activist, who chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, described how they were surrounded by masked individuals and physically assaulted while trying to leave.

Video evidence captured by the activists shows a masked man throwing a rock toward their vehicle. Another activist indicated that Israeli soldiers witnessed the violence but did nothing to intervene. This lack of action from the military is concerning, as it raises questions about accountability and safety for those in the region.

The recent violence isn’t an isolated incident. Ballal has faced ongoing harassment from settlers, sharing stories of intimidation and threats to his land. He has recorded past encounters where settlers moved their livestock onto his property while he slept. Following major unrest after the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, threats against him and his community intensified.

The documentary “No Other Land” reveals the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians, showcasing the demolitions of homes in Masafer Yatta and the deeply personal stories intertwined within the conflict. The film not only highlights the political landscape but also emphasizes the human connection and resilience within these communities.

In recent reports, the situation has worsened. Data from Peace Now and Kerem Navot, organizations that monitor Israeli settlements, indicate that the number of outposts established by settlers has surged by nearly 50% since the onset of the war. This rapid expansion reflects a troubling trend of increased violence and land appropriation in the West Bank, placing further pressure on Palestinian communities.

As the international community continues to watch events unfold, the need for accountability and justice remains critical. Stakeholders from various fields, including human rights advocacy and international relations, stress the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolutions to avert further conflict.

Check out this related article: Supreme Court Dashes Trump’s Hopes for Revamping Libel Laws: What This Means for Free Speech