Oscar-Winning Palestinian Filmmaker Hamdan Ballal Detained After Attack in West Bank:

Hamdan Ballal, the Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was attacked in Susiya village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. He and two other Palestinians were later detained by the Israeli army on Monday and released the following day.

The incident occurred near the Kiryat Arba settlement, where Israeli settlers allegedly assaulted Ballal and others. Ballal described being violently attacked, saying his head was "kicked like a football" during the confrontation.

Detention Conditions and Allegations

After the attack, Ballal was held blindfolded for over 20 hours by Israeli soldiers. He reported being forced to sit on a cold floor under a loud air conditioner and said he was kicked, punched, or beaten with sticks during guard shifts. Although he does not speak Hebrew, Ballal heard soldiers mention his name and the word "Oscar," suggesting he was singled out due to his work.

Israeli Army Responds

The Israeli army confirmed the detention of three Palestinians suspected of stone-pelting and stated that one Israeli citizen involved in a violent confrontation was also arrested. All individuals were handed over to Israeli police for further investigation. One Israeli settler was evacuated from the area for medical treatment.

Background on 'No Other Land' and Rising Tensions

No Other Land documents the resistance of residents in Masafer Yatta against the demolition of their villages by the Israeli military. The film has received international acclaim, including awards from the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival, but has also sparked controversy in Israel and abroad.

Ballal co-produced the film with Palestinian filmmaker Basel Adra and Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Sor.

Eyewitness Account of the Incident

Basel Adra stated that during the evening of Ramadan, while villagers were breaking their fast, Israeli settlers entered Susiya village. He said that one known settler arrived at Ballal’s home with soldiers who later fired in the air. Adra witnessed Ballal being beaten in front of his family and taken away blindfolded and handcuffed in a military vehicle.