Hamdan Ballal, director of the award-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’, faced a violent attack by Jewish settlers in the Palestinian village of Susya, resulting in serious injuries. Eyewitnesses reported that Ballal was assaulted alongside Jewish-American activists, leading to property destruction and chaos. The Israeli military denied allegations of wrongdoing, while the filmmakers expressed fears of retaliation linked to their portrayal of Palestinian struggles. The ongoing violence has prompted many to flee conflict zones like Jenin, highlighting the urgent need for global awareness.
Hamdan Ballal: A Filmmaker’s Struggle for Palestinian Rights
The acclaimed film ‘No Other Land’, directed by Hamdan Ballal, highlights the courageous non-violent efforts of Palestinians to safeguard their villages. Recently, the filmmaker faced a disturbing incident in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where he was reportedly attacked and injured by Jewish settlers.
Details of the Attack and Its Aftermath
Eyewitness accounts reveal that Ballal was assaulted by a group of settlers in the Palestinian village of Susya, located in the Masafer Jatta region. The attack reportedly left him with a significant head injury, bleeding profusely. In the chaotic moments that followed, Israeli military forces allegedly removed him from an ambulance and took him into custody.
According to the Center for Jewish Nonviolence, dozens of settlers were involved in the aggression, armed with batons, knives, and even an assault rifle, leading to widespread destruction of property. Alongside Ballal, five Jewish-American activists were also reported to be injured during the attack.
International law clearly states that Israel’s settlements in occupied territories are illegal, adding further complexity to the ongoing conflict. Reports confirm that, including Ballal, four Palestinians were injured, and three arrests were made by Israeli police. However, details regarding Ballal’s current location remain unconfirmed.
The Israeli military denied allegations of removing a Palestinian from an ambulance, claiming that “some terrorists” instigated violence by throwing stones at Israelis, prompting a retaliatory response. The situation escalated as both groups engaged in stone-throwing, necessitating intervention by police and military forces to restore order.
Ballal’s co-directors, Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham, who were present during the attack, described the harrowing experience. Abraham characterized the assault as a lynching, while Adra noted that the settlers struck shortly after the community broke their fast during Ramadan. Witnesses reported hearing Ballal’s desperate cries for help as he was beaten outside their home.
Since the film’s recognition at the Oscars, where it won Best Documentary, the filmmakers have faced continuous threats, raising concerns about their safety and motivations behind these attacks. Adra conveyed a sense of dread, suggesting the assaults may be retaliation for their cinematic portrayal of the Palestinian struggle.
In the backdrop of the ongoing conflict, thousands have sought refuge from Jenin, relocating to nearby areas amid the escalating violence.
Additionally, the Berlinale film festival encountered controversy following the film’s victory last year. During the award ceremony, remarks were made regarding the “apartheid situation,” which ignited applause but also drew criticism for not acknowledging the attacks by Hamas militants. The festival’s management distanced itself from the remarks, though it maintained support for the film itself.
As the situation continues to evolve, the plight of those affected by the conflict remains a critical issue that demands global attention.