Popular Oscar-Winning filmmaker allegedly attacked in West Bank

Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, co-director of Oscar-winning film No Other Land, was reportedly attacked by Israeli settlers in the West Bank on Monday March 24, 2025.

According to report, Ballal was allegedly assaulted in his home in Susya, West Bank, before being taken away by Israeli soldiers, eyewitnesses and colleagues confirmed.

His co-director, Basel Adra, told CNN that Ballal had called him in distress before being taken away by Israeli forces.

Upon arriving at Ballal’s home, Adra saw Israeli settlers throwing stones, while soldiers fired at anyone attempting to get closer.

Another co-director, Yuval Abraham, an Israeli, said Ballal sustained injuries to his head and abdomen before disappearing after his arrest.

Israeli military and police have yet to comment on the alleged attack and arrest, despite multiple inquiries by international media organisations.

Five American activists from the Center for Jewish Nonviolence (CJNV) claimed they were also attacked by settlers wielding knives and batons.

They alleged that over a dozen settlers raided the village after a dispute involving an Israeli settler shepherding near a Palestinian home.

An activist named Jenna, who requested anonymity, said around 20 masked settlers attacked her group while they approached Susya.

“We tried to retreat to the car, and they hit me with sticks,” Jenna told CNN, recalling the violent encounter.

Dashcam footage shared by CJNV shows a masked individual hurling a rock at their vehicle, breaking windows and slashing a tire.

Another activist, Josh Kimelman, claimed Israeli soldiers witnessed the attack but did nothing to stop the settlers from harming them.

“We told them we were attacked, but they just stood there and said everything would be fine,” Kimelman recounted.

Ballal has previously faced threats from Israeli settlers, who allegedly placed livestock on his land while he was asleep.

The filmmaker documented settler violence, including threats from an Israeli settler who claimed “God gave him Ballal’s land.”

His film No Other Land highlights the forced eviction of Palestinians and the destruction of villages in the Masafer Yatta region.

Reports indicate Israeli settler violence has intensified, with settlement outposts expanding by nearly 50% since the war began in 2023.

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