Oscar-Winning Palestinian Director Hamdan Ballal Attacked by Israeli Settlers
Hamdan Ballal, Palestinian co-director of the acclaimed documentary No Other Land, was reportedly attacked by Israeli settlers before being arrested by the Israeli army on March 24, 2025.
Details of the Attack on Hamdan Ballal
According to The Associated Press, eyewitnesses reported that Ballal was beaten by Israeli settlers during an incident in the village of Susiya.
Basel Adra, Ballal’s co-director on No Other Land, witnessed the entire event. Adra described how approximately 20 masked settlers invaded the village and attacked Palestinian residents.
Co-Director Basel Adra’s Account
Speaking to media outlets, Adra expressed his belief that the attack might be retaliation for their Oscar-winning film:
“We came back from the Oscars and every day since there is an attack on us. This might be their [Israelis’] revenge on us for making the movie. It feels like a punishment,” Adra told The Associated Press.
Adra further described the scene to The Guardian:
“There were dozens of settlers together with the Israeli soldiers and they were threatening us with weapons. The police were there from the beginning and did not intervene.”
Arrest by Israeli Military
Following the attack, Israeli forces arrested Ballal along with two other Palestinians. While authorities claimed the detainees had thrown rocks at settlers, the allegations were denied by those involved.
Lea Tsemel, attorney for the detainees, reported that while Israeli police claimed the men were receiving medical treatment at a military base, she had been unable to contact her clients.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Arrest
Adra provided disturbing details of Ballal’s arrest to The Associated Press:
- An Israeli settler arrived at Ballal’s home with soldiers
- Ballal’s wife reported hearing her husband scream “I’m dying” during the beating
- Ballal was led away handcuffed and blindfolded
Additional witnesses corroborated the violent nature of the incident. Joseph, an activist, told The Guardian:
“They [the settlers] started throwing stones towards Palestinians and destroyed a water tank near Hamdan’s house.”
Israeli Military Response
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they had arrested three Palestinians for allegedly throwing rocks, along with one Israeli civilian involved in the confrontation. The military claimed all detainees were taken for police questioning.
These claims were disputed by multiple eyewitnesses who spoke to international media outlets.
Ballal’s Release and Condition
After more than 24 hours in detention, Ballal was released. Co-director Yuval Abraham confirmed on X that Ballal was returning to his family.
Euro News reported Ballal’s disturbing account of his detention:
“I was blindfolded for 24 hours. All the night I was freezing… I heard the voice of soldiers laughing about me.”
The publication noted visible injuries including facial bruises and bloodied clothing.
Background on No Other Land
The Oscar-winning documentary chronicles the struggle of Masafer Yatta residents against Israeli military actions to demolish their villages. The film’s success drew criticism from some Israeli officials, with the culture minister calling its Oscar win “a sad moment for the world of cinema.”
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