Hamdan Ballal, the Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was attacked by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank before being detained by Israeli forces. The incident took place in his home village of Susiya in Masafer Yatta, a region at the center of ongoing land disputes and violence against Palestinians.
According to his co-director, Yuval Abraham, Ballal was severely beaten by settlers, sustaining injuries to his head and stomach before being taken into custody by Israeli soldiers. “Soldiers invaded the ambulance he called and took him. No sign of him since,” Abraham posted on social media.
A video released by the Center for Jewish Nonviolence captured masked settlers attacking activists, throwing stones, and smashing car windows. Reports indicate that Jewish activists at the scene were also assaulted while attempting to document the violence.
Ballal’s Work and Why He Was Targeted
No Other Land, which won Best Documentary at the 97th Academy Awards, highlights the struggles of Palestinian communities in Masafer Yatta facing forced displacement by Israeli authorities. The film has been widely acclaimed but also controversial, particularly among Israeli officials. Ballal’s arrest appears to be part of a broader crackdown on Palestinian activists and filmmakers.
His wife, Lamia Ballal, described the terrifying night of the attack, saying she heard her husband screaming as he was beaten outside their home. “Of course, after the Oscar, they have come to attack us more,” she said.
Hamdan Ballal’s Release
After spending a night on the floor of a military base with serious injuries, Ballal was released from detention along with two other Palestinians on Tuesday. Witnesses reported that he had bruises on his face and blood on his clothes. His lawyer, Lea Tsemel, confirmed that he had suffered significant injuries during the assault.
The Israeli military claimed that Ballal and the other detainees were suspected of “rock-throwing,” an accusation often leveled against Palestinians following settler attacks. Despite international outcry, Israeli forces have yet to take action against the settlers responsible for the assault.
Celebrity Reactions
Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo condemned the attack, calling Ballal a “political prisoner” and urging filmmakers and academy members to protest against the assault on artistic freedom. Supermodel Bella Hadid also voiced her support, saying, “This broke my heart to see… Palestinian lives are consistently at risk, a target for simply being Palestinian.”
The attack on Ballal has sparked global outrage, further exposing the increasing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, particularly in areas targeted for forced displacement.
Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC, The Guardian, Hindustan Times
