Oscar-Winning Director Attacked, Arrested by Israeli Forces After Settler Assault
Following the Oscars win for their documentary “No Other Land,” which details the struggle of Masafer Yatta residents against Israeli demolitions, co-director Hamdan Ballal was beaten by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and subsequently detained by the Israeli military. Witnesses reported numerous settlers, some armed and masked, attacked the village, with soldiers present. The Israeli military claims the Palestinians were arrested for throwing rocks, a claim disputed by witnesses. This incident is viewed by some as retaliatory, highlighting the ongoing conflict and tensions surrounding the film’s subject matter.
John Q. Hosedrinker