March 25, 2025 | Jerusalem | Oscar-winning Palestinian co-director Hamdan Ballal, known for his work on the documentary “No Other Land”, was reportedly attacked by a group of Israeli settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and later detained by Israeli soldiers, according to eyewitnesses and collaborators.
The incident occurred outside Ballal’s home in Susya village, located in the southern West Bank’s Hebron Hills — a region long marked by tension and forced evictions of Palestinian residents.
Eyewitnesses Say Ballal Beaten Before Detention
Fellow co-director Basel Adra, who also co-produced No Other Land, told CNN that Ballal had called him for help on Monday morning. Upon arrival, Adra said he witnessed a group of Israeli settlers throwing stones at Ballal’s home, while Israeli soldiers and police stood nearby.
“The soldiers were firing shots, and the settlers were attacking,” Adra stated. “Later, Ballal was taken away by Israeli forces. We haven’t been able to contact him since.”
Conflicting Reports from Israeli Military
According to a statement from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), their personnel responded to reports of a violent clash between Palestinians and Israelis in the area. The IDF claimed that Palestinians had initiated the conflict by throwing stones at Israeli civilians, which escalated into a confrontation that prompted military involvement.
The military confirmed that three Palestinians and one Israeli were taken in for questioning. However, IDF did not confirm Ballal’s name or whether he was among those detained.
Injury and Uncertainty Surrounding Ballal’s Whereabouts
Yuval Abraham, an Israeli co-director of No Other Land, told media outlets that Ballal had sustained injuries to his head and abdomen. “We don’t know where he is or how badly he is hurt,” Abraham said.
Eyewitnesses, including five American activists affiliated with the Jewish Center for Nonviolence, also claimed they were attacked by Israeli settlers at the scene but did not witness Ballal’s arrest directly.
About No Other Land
The award-winning documentary No Other Land is a collaborative effort between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers, including Ballal, Adra, Abraham, and Rachel Szor. It documents the forced displacement of Palestinian communities in the Hebron Hills by Israeli authorities, and has been critically acclaimed for its raw portrayal of life under occupation.
Ballal has reportedly faced threats and intimidation before due to his outspoken stance against Israeli settlement expansion and demolition activities in Palestinian villages.
Global Outrage Brewing
The alleged assault and detention have drawn condemnation from human rights groups and pro-Palestinian activists worldwide. Calls are growing for the Israeli government to clarify Ballal’s status, ensure his safety and medical care, and respect freedom of expression and press in the occupied territories.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
