CNN
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Attack on Oscar-Winning Co-Director
Hamdan Ballal, the Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning film “No Other Land,” was reportedly assaulted by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and subsequently taken away by Israeli soldiers, according to his colleagues and witnesses.
Distress Call and Arrival of Colleagues
Basel Adra, Ballal’s co-director, informed CNN that he responded to Ballal’s distress call at his home in the village of Susya on Monday. Upon arriving, Adra saw Ballal and at least one other individual being taken away.
Confrontation with Settlers
Adra described a group of Israeli settlers outside Ballal’s residence, some of whom were throwing stones. He noted that both Israeli police and military personnel were present, with soldiers firing at anyone attempting to approach the scene.
Military’s Perspective on the Incident
The Israeli military characterized the situation as a “violent confrontation” between Palestinians and Israelis, claiming it erupted after “terrorists” threw rocks at Israeli citizens, damaging their vehicles. As a result, three Palestinians and one Israeli were detained for questioning.
Injuries and Current Status of Ballal
Yuval Abraham, another co-director of the film, stated that Ballal suffered injuries to his head and abdomen and had not been located since the incident. Ballal was reportedly being released on Tuesday afternoon after spending the night in detention at Kiryat Arba’a, an Israeli settlement in the West Bank, according to his lawyer.
Activist Accounts of Violence
Five American activists from the Center for Jewish Nonviolence (CJNV) who were also present reported being assaulted by Israeli settlers. They claimed that a group of settlers attacked the village armed with sticks, knives, and at least one firearm, following a dispute that arose with an Israeli settler shepherding near a Palestinian residence.
Background of the Film and Broader Context
Earlier this month, Ballal, Adra, and Abraham received an Oscar for best documentary for their film, which tells the story of the eviction of Palestinians from their homes in the West Bank. Ballal has faced past intimidation from Israeli settlers and has previously documented threatening interactions. The film emphasizes the ongoing violence against Palestinian villages in the West Bank, highlighting the demolition of homes and confrontations between settlers and Palestinians.
