Israeli Military Detains Filmmaker After Settler Attack in West Bank
Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," was detained by Israeli soldiers after being attacked by settlers in the occupied West Bank. He was released on Tuesday morning after spending the night in detention at an Israeli military base, according to his fellow co-director Yuval Abraham on X.
Ballal, one of the four directors behind the acclaimed film about Palestinian experiences, was forcibly removed from an ambulance where he was receiving medical treatment following the assault. This incident occurred in the Palestinian village of Susiya, located in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron.
Eyewitness accounts reported that around 15 armed settlers surrounded Ballal on Monday afternoon, hurling stones at him and other Palestinian residents and vandalizing property near his home. Observers noted that many of the assailants came equipped with batons, knives, and at least one assault rifle, with several wearing masks. Among those documenting the attack were five American Jewish activists, who were also violently confronted by the settlers, leading to their vehicle being damaged while they remained inside.
Yuval Abraham raised the alarm about the incident, posting about it on social media and informing that Ballal's lawyer, the esteemed Leah Tsemel, was finally able to speak with him after the attack. Ballal reported that he was handcuffed and blindfolded throughout the night while being held at the military base, where he claimed to have endured physical assault from two soldiers.
The Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem condemned the settlers' conduct, stating that they attacked residents and activists without intervention from soldiers or police forces. Along with Ballal, two other Palestinians were detained during the incident, while the settlers involved were reportedly allowed to leave unharmed.
The frequency and intensity of settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank have surged in recent times. Just days prior to Ballal's ordeal, an Israeli family reportedly took over a Palestinian home in Hebron while its residents were away for Ramadan celebrations, as highlighted in a report by B'Tselem and Peace Now.
The Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land," which has also received accolades at the Berlinale Film Festival, was created by a unique collaboration of Palestinian-Israeli journalists, including Ballal and Abraham, along with Basel and Rachel Szor. The film vividly portrays the harsh realities faced by residents of Masafer Yatta, whose village has been systematically targeted for demolition by the Israeli military under the pretext of needing the land for military exercises.
At the award ceremony, Basel Adra emphasized the importance of their film, stating, "No Other Land reflects the harsh reality in which we live; it has persisted for decades. We call for actions to end this injustice and the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people." He underscored the collaborative efforts of the filmmakers, which unite their voices in a collective cry for justice.
As attacks on Palestinian communities continue unabated, the plight of ordinary citizens like Hamdan Ballal serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for rights and recognition in a contested region.
Related Sources: