Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was violently assaulted by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Following the attack, he was taken by Israeli soldiers and held in detention overnight, as confirmed by family, eyewitnesses, and his lawyer. After his release, Ballal was treated at a Hebron hospital for injuries sustained during his detention, which included dehydration and bruising.
The incident occurred just after Iftar, when Ballal attempted to document a group of settlers attacking his village. His wife, Lamya, described how three settlers attacked him using brass knuckles and a rifle while a crowd of others tried to enter their home, where she and their children were hiding.
Co-director Basel Adra, who arrived shortly after the attack, noted the presence of both masked settlers and Israeli military personnel, with soldiers reportedly firing on anyone who approached. The Israeli military later claimed there had been a "violent confrontation" involving stone-throwing from both Palestinians and Israelis, justifying Ballal’s detention alongside other individuals.
According to Yuval Abraham, another co-director of the film, Ballal suffered injuries to his head and abdomen. Neighbour Najah Mughanam also reported settler aggression, claiming that her husband was attacked and that the violence has escalated since recent hostilities began.
Five American activists from the Centre for Jewish Nonviolence present at the scene reported being assaulted by settlers, who were armed and aggressive during the confrontation. They expressed frustration over the lack of intervention from Israeli soldiers, who witnessed the altercation but did not step in.
Despite the violent circumstances, Ballal’s dedication to returning home prevailed. His film No Other Land chronicles the struggles of Palestinians in the West Bank, highlighting ongoing evictions and violence. It captures poignant moments, such as the demolition of local communities and subsequent violence against those trying to resist displacement.
In summary, this episode of violence underscores the growing tension and aggressions facing Palestinians, with many residents feeling increasingly vulnerable and without accountability for settler violence. The plight of Ballal and the messages in No Other Land bring to light the urgent issues of human rights and the need for global awareness on these matters.