Oscar-Winning Filmmaker Hamdan Ballal Recounts Attack and Detention in West Bank

Ballal, co-director of 'No Other Land,' alleges abuse by Israeli soldiers following a settler attack, as global criticism mounts over institutional silence.

Hamdan Ballal, Palestinian co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land,' was attacked by Israeli settlers and detained by Israeli soldiers in his West Bank village of Susya on March 24.
Ballal claims he was beaten during his detention, mocked with references to his Oscar win, and subjected to harsh conditions, including being blindfolded for over 20 hours.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) denied allegations of abuse, stating Ballal was detained on suspicion of rock hurling and property damage during a confrontation involving settlers and Palestinians.
The U.S. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has faced criticism for refusing to issue a statement supporting Ballal, unlike other film organizations such as the European Film Academy.
Ballal has been released and is recovering from his injuries, while the situation in Masafer Yatta remains tense, with ongoing violence and displacement reported.