Well-known Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal, known internationally for his Oscar-award-winning documentary “No Other Land,” herding on Thursday in a violent incursion. A mob of some 15 armed settlers set upon him in Susya located in the West Bank’s Masafer Yatta region south of Hebron. The assault took place in the presence of Jewish American activists from the Center for Jewish Nonviolence, who were with Ballal at that time. The incident can be understood as just one example within a larger, increasingly troubling trend of settler violence towards Palestinians in the region.
When the attack was reported, Basel Adra, the other director of the acclaimed film, called it a “horrific attack,” showing settlers’ violence and horror. Aggressors waged an offensive on a local water tank by Ballal’s home, reducing it to rubble. They vandalized his vehicle by throwing rocks and cutting a tire. Five American Jewish activists experienced the far-right attack. They filmed the police raid and filmed blood on the floor of Ballal’s home.
“A group of settlers just lynched Hamdan Ballal, co-director of our film no other land. They beat him and he has injuries in his head and stomach, bleeding. Soldiers invaded the ambulance he called, and took him. No sign of him since.” – Yuval Abraham
The Israeli army is said to have attempted to suppress the incident by arresting Ballal soon after the attack. Nasser, a co-director of “No Other Land,” was similarly arrested and brought to a police station. How many chances did the Israeli Defense Forces have to keep this incident from happening?
“Palestinians in the village have been under physical attack by settlers almost daily. The settlers’ violence is increasing here. Maybe it’s a revenge for the movie and the Oscar,” – Basel Adra
The settlers who launched the attack came with guns and masks. Witnesses have called the army’s actions a “terror attack” on Masafer Yatta. The attack's timing has sparked speculation that it may be connected to the international recognition garnered by "No Other Land." Israel's culture minister had previously referred to the documentary's Oscar win as a "sad moment for the world of cinema," which has only added fuel to conjecture about retaliatory motives.
“They started throwing stones towards Palestinians and destroyed a water tank near Hamdan’s house,” – Joseph
Concerns about settler violence in the region are escalating, with reports of Palestinian people experiencing near daily violence. This escalation in aggression has instilled a climate of fear and instability for individuals living in Susya and the demonstrative villages surrounding it. Whether it’s activists or local residents, everyone is screaming for a higher level of protection and accountability.