Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the award-winning documentary “No Other Land,” has reported another attack on his family in the West Bank. The incident resulted in his brother being hospitalized and four relatives being detained. Ballal alleged that the assault was carried out by the same settler who attacked him in his home following his Oscar win last year. When his brother called the police, soldiers arrived first and violently raided their house, leading to multiple arrests and injuries.
The violence around Ballal’s home in Susiya has escalated in the past year, mirroring the deteriorating situation across the West Bank. Despite a recent court order closing the area to non-residents, settlers continue to trespass with impunity, exacerbating the tension. Ballal criticized the lack of enforcement by Israeli authorities, claiming that the court decision aimed at calming the situation had backfired, resulting in increased harassment and attacks.
The documentary “No Other Land” depicts the demolition of Palestinian homes in Masafer Yatta and the collaboration between activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham from 2019 to 2023. Despite facing distribution challenges initially, the film was eventually self-released and garnered critical acclaim.
The ongoing violence in the region has raised concerns among human rights groups and activists. Raviv Rose, associated with the Center for Jewish Nonviolence, highlighted the recurrent attacks in Masafer Yatta and the lack of meaningful action following each incident. The film’s website emphasizes the persistent turmoil in Masafer Yatta and references the killing of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen, a figure featured in the documentary.
Israeli authorities have not publicly addressed Ballal’s recent allegations, which come amidst heightened tensions in the West Bank due to escalating clashes involving settlers, Palestinians, and security forces since the onset of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
Ballal concluded his statement with a heartfelt plea for attention to the ongoing challenges, urging, “Don’t turn away now.”