Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal, who won an Oscar for the documentary “No Other Land,” was attacked and beaten near his home by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Witnesses reported that at least 20 masked attackers, mostly teenagers armed with rocks, sticks, and knives, targeted Ballal in his village of Susya. The attack occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with some assailants mocking the victims as they broke their fast. Israeli soldiers reportedly stood by and prevented bystanders from reaching Ballal during the assault. Three Palestinians, including Ballal, were detained following the incident.
The Israeli military stated that the attack stemmed from Palestinians hurling rocks at Israeli citizens, leading to a confrontation involving both Palestinians and Israelis. The military claimed that “terrorists” threw rocks at their forces when they arrived on the scene. Multiple people were detained for questioning, including three Palestinians suspected of hurling rocks and one Israeli civilian. The escalating violence in the West Bank has resulted in significant displacement of Palestinian civilians, with over 40,000 forced to flee their homes since January.
The documentary “No Other Land,” which Ballal co-directed with three others, sheds light on the demolition of West Bank residents’ homes near Masafer Yatta by Israeli forces. The film covers the destruction from 2019 to 2023, also addressing the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The rise in settler violence against Palestinians has been documented by the United Nations agency for humanitarian coordination. The Palestinian village of Susya has been embroiled in a legal battle with the Israeli government over plans for demolition and removal of residents.
Filmmaker Basel Adra, another director of the documentary, arrived in Susya after the attack on Ballal and witnessed masked assailants throwing stones. He recounted that Israeli soldiers arrived on the scene but did not take action against the attackers, instead pointing their rifles at the Palestinians. Additionally, five Jewish American activists who went to document the attack were assaulted by settlers, with their car being damaged by rocks. Adra lamented the return to the harsh reality of occupation following the Oscar win, stating that the world’s inaction exacerbates the ongoing conflict.
The targeting of Ballal in Susya is part of a larger pattern of violence and displacement in the West Bank, as the Israeli military intensifies raids against militant groups. The conflict has led to heightened tensions during Ramadan, with frequent attacks reported in the South Hebron Hills. The lack of intervention from Israeli soldiers during the attack on Ballal underscores the challenges faced by Palestinians in the region. The filmmakers behind “No Other Land” continue to highlight the human rights abuses and injustices experienced by Palestinians in the face of Israeli occupation.
The ongoing legal battles, settler violence, and displacement of Palestinian civilians in the West Bank paint a grim picture of the situation on the ground. The filmmakers and activists working to document and raise awareness of these issues face increasing risks and challenges due to the escalating conflict. The attack on Ballal serves as a stark reminder of the brutality and injustices faced by Palestinians in their daily lives, as international efforts to end the occupation falter. The incident underscores the urgent need for action to protect the rights and safety of Palestinians living under occupation in the West Bank.
