Award-winning Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was reportedly assaulted by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank on Monday before being detained by the Israeli military. Witnesses, including co-directors of the film, say Ballal sustained head and abdominal injuries during the incident.
The Israeli military stated that Palestinians had thrown rocks at Israeli citizens near Susiya prior to clashes, but did not directly address Ballal's detention. Yuval Abraham, Ballal's Israeli co-director, expressed concern over his colleague's condition, noting that contact with Ballal was lost following the arrest.
No Other Land, which documents Israeli settler violence and Palestinian displacement in the West Bank, has drawn international attention since its 2024 Academy Award win. The incident has reignited debates over freedom of expression and the safety of activists in the region.
Human rights organizations have called for an independent investigation, while regional analysts warn the escalation reflects broader tensions amid stalled peace negotiations. Ballal's case is being closely monitored by global film communities and advocacy groups.
