Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal, who co-directed the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land,’ was assaulted by a group of Israeli settlers near his residence in the occupied West Bank and subsequently detained by Israeli forces, as reported by his Israeli co-director Yuval Abraham on Tuesday.

Abraham, an Israeli journalist and filmmaker, announced the incident on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that Ballal suffered head and stomach injuries and was bleeding when soldiers took him into custody. “A group of settlers just lynched Hamdan Ballal. Soldiers invaded the ambulance he called for assistance and took him away. He has not been seen since,” he stated.

**Violence in the West Bank**

The attack reportedly occurred in Masafer Yatta, an area frequently targeted by Israeli settlers and military forces. Basel Adra, another Palestinian filmmaker and co-director of ‘No Other Land,’ informed the Associated Press that approximately two dozen settlers stormed the village on Monday evening, vandalizing homes, shattering car windows, and destroying water tanks. Adra claimed that Israeli soldiers aimed their guns at Palestinian residents instead of intervening to stop the attackers.

Adra suspects that this incident might be retaliation for their documentary, which highlights the forced displacement experienced by Palestinian communities. “Since returning from the Oscars, we have faced daily attacks,” he said. “This might be their revenge for making the film. It feels like a punishment.” Later that night, Abraham shared footage of masked individuals throwing stones at a car, referring to them as “KKK-like armed settlers” and connecting them to Ballal’s assault.

**A Film That Sparked Controversy**

‘No Other Land’ chronicles the destruction of Palestinian villages in the West Bank and the unexpected connection between Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham. The documentary received significant recognition, winning accolades at 68 international film festivals, including the BAFTAs, European Film Awards, IDA Awards, and Gotham Independent Film Awards.

The film’s Oscar success was accompanied by controversy. During his acceptance speech, Abraham criticized the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians, labeling it a “situation of apartheid” and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. His comments provoked backlash in Israel, with some accusing him of antisemitism—claims he has vehemently denied. Abraham, who lost family members in the Holocaust, has consistently opposed Israeli policies in Palestine.

Currently, there is no official update regarding Ballal’s condition or whereabouts. The incident has incited outrage among activists and filmmakers, who are demanding his immediate release. Meanwhile, ongoing reports of settler violence in the region raise significant concerns about the safety of Palestinian civilians.

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