Hamdan Ballal, the co-director from Palestine who worked on the award-winning film “No Other Land,” revealed that his family faced another attack in the occupied West Bank. This recent incident resulted in his brother being hospitalized and four relatives being taken into custody.
In a statement posted online by fellow directors Yuval Abraham and Basel Adra, Ballal accused the same settler who previously attacked him in his home shortly after the Oscar win last year. According to Ballal, his brother called the police, but soldiers arrived first and conducted a sudden raid on their home, assaulting everyone present. As a result, two brothers, a nephew, and a cousin were detained, while another brother sustained serious injuries and is currently hospitalized.
Ballal highlighted the escalation of violence in his surroundings in Susiya over the past year, emphasizing that the situation has deteriorated not only in his area but also across the West Bank. He mentioned that despite an Israeli court order two weeks ago to restrict non-residents from entering the region, settlers continue to trespass with their livestock. Ballal expressed disappointment, stating that despite seeking help from the police and army, no action has been taken to address the ongoing harassment by settlers.
The filmmaker expressed frustration over the ineffectiveness of the Israeli court decision, which was intended to bring calm but instead fueled increased harassment by settlers. He criticized the lack of enforcement by Israeli authorities, who allegedly joined the settlers in the recent attack.
Ballal was previously assaulted in March last year following the success of “No Other Land” at the Oscars. Despite the film’s recognition, he reflected on the ongoing challenges faced by him and his community. The documentary showcases the destruction of Palestinian homes in Masafer Yatta and the collaboration between activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham from 2019 to 2023. Despite initial distribution challenges, the film was eventually self-released.
The region’s persistent violence has attracted attention from human rights organizations and activists. Raviv Rose, a Jewish American affiliated with the Center for Jewish Nonviolence, highlighted the repeated attacks in Masafer Yatta, noting the lack of tangible outcomes from police complaints and documentation efforts.
The film’s official website emphasizes the unresolved conflict in Masafer Yatta, highlighting the ongoing violence. The site also references the tragic killing of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen on July 28, allegedly by an Israeli settler, who appeared in the documentary.
Israeli authorities have yet to publicly respond to Ballal’s recent allegations. These claims emerge amidst heightened tensions in the West Bank following increased clashes involving settlers, Palestinians, and security forces since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
Ballal concluded his plea by urging, “Don’t look away now.”
