Oscar-Winning Palestinian Filmmaker Attacked by Settlers, Arrested by Israeli Army
Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was attacked by armed Israeli settlers in Susya, West Bank, before being arrested by the Israeli army. Witnesses say about 15 masked settlers threw stones, destroyed a water tank, and vandalized Ballal’s car. Soldiers arrived but did not stop the settlers; instead, they arrested Ballal and another man named Nasser. Activists found blood inside Ballal’s home, reportedly from a head injury. The Israeli military claimed Palestinians initiated violence by throwing rocks.
Fellow director Basel Adra believes the attack was retaliation for the film’s success. Settler violence in the village has been increasing. Soldiers allegedly stood by as settlers threatened residents. Yuval Abraham reported that Ballal was taken away before receiving medical care. His whereabouts remain unknown. This isn’t the first attack on the film’s team. Israel’s culture minister criticized the film’s Oscar win.
Oscar-Winning Palestinian Filmmaker Attacked by Settlers, Arrested by Israeli Army
Hamdan Ballal, a co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was assaulted by armed Israeli settlers and later arrested by the Israeli military, according to witnesses. The incident took place in Susya, a village in the Masafer Yatta region of the occupied West Bank. Five Jewish American activists who witnessed the attack reported that around 15 masked settlers targeted Ballal’s home, throwing stones at his house and destroying a nearby water tank. They also smashed his car windows and slashed one of its tires.
When Israeli soldiers arrived at the scene, witnesses claim they chased Ballal into his home and handed him over to the military. Activists who later entered the house found blood on the floor. A family member stated that the blood was from a head injury Ballal sustained during the attack. Another local man, identified only as Nasser, was also arrested, though the reasons remain unclear.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
The Israeli military released a statement saying a “violent clash” had broken out in the area, accusing Palestinians of throwing rocks at Israeli citizens. They confirmed the arrest of three Palestinians and one Israeli settler but did not provide further details about the circumstances.
However, Basel Adra, another co-director of No Other Land, disputed the military’s version of events. He believes the attack on Ballal was retaliation for the film’s international success and its critical portrayal of life under Israeli occupation. Adra described a pattern of escalating settler violence in Susya, calling this latest incident “horrific.” He accused Israeli soldiers of failing to intervene as settlers threatened residents and damaged property.
“When Hamdan tried to protect his family, the settlers attacked him, and instead of stopping them, the soldiers arrested him,” Adra said.
Concerns Over Ballal’s Safety
Yuval Abraham, another filmmaker involved in No Other Land, shared on social media that Ballal was beaten and injured during the arrest but was taken away by soldiers before receiving medical treatment. Abraham added that Ballal’s whereabouts were unknown at the time, raising concerns for his safety.
This is not the first time the documentary’s creators have faced threats. In February, Adra himself was attacked by masked settlers. The repeated targeting of the filmmakers highlights the risks faced by Palestinians and activists who speak out against occupation policies in the West Bank.
Film Sparks Controversy in Israel
No Other Land, which won Best Documentary at the 2024 Academy Awards, chronicles the struggles of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, an area where communities face demolition orders and violent settler expansion. The film has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli officials. Israel’s culture minister labeled its Oscar win “a sad moment for cinema,” accusing the filmmakers of spreading anti-Israel bias.
Broader Context of Settler Violence
Attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities in the West Bank have surged in recent years, often with the backing of Israeli forces. Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned these incidents, calling them part of a systematic effort to displace Palestinians from their land. Susya, where Ballal lives, has been a frequent flashpoint. Residents there have faced home demolitions, restricted access to water, and ongoing harassment.
The attack on Ballal has drawn international attention, with advocates calling for accountability for both the settlers and the soldiers involved. Palestinian leaders and human rights organizations argue that Israel’s military occupation enables such violence by rarely prosecuting settlers or soldiers accused of abuses.
Calls for Justice
Adra and other activists are demanding Ballal’s immediate release and an independent investigation into the attack. They stress that the incident reflects a broader reality of impunity in the West Bank, where Palestinian rights are routinely violated.
“This isn’t just about Hamdan,” Adra said. “It’s about the world seeing what Palestinians endure every day.”
As of now, there has been no update on Ballal’s condition or legal status. The case has intensified debates over freedom of expression and the safety of artists in conflict zones, underscoring the challenges faced by those who use their work to highlight injustice.