In a disturbing incident in the occupied West Bank, an Oscar-winning filmmaker known for his work documenting Palestinian communities has been assaulted and subsequently detained by the Israeli military. Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Academy Award-winning documentary “No Other Land,” was reportedly attacked while in the southern West Bank at the Palestinian village of Susiya, an area depicted in his film.
Yuval Abraham, Ballal’s co-director, shared details of the harrowing event on social media platform X. According to Abraham, Ballal was assaulted by a group of Israeli settlers who brutally beat him, inflicting injuries to his head and body. “They beat him in the head and all over his body,” Abraham stated. Following this assault, Ballal called for an ambulance, but soldiers subsequently entered the vehicle and arrested him, leaving his current condition and whereabouts unknown.
Ongoing investigations and community responses
Despite the severity of the situation, the Israeli military has only acknowledged that it is investigating the incident, without providing further comment. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) did not respond immediately to inquiries regarding the circumstances surrounding Ballal’s detention.
The attack coincided with a larger incursion by dozens of Israeli settlers into Susiya, as detailed by the activist group Center for Jewish Nonviolence. This group reported that Ballal was blindfolded before being taken away, heightening concerns about his treatment while in custody.
Abraham has also posted videos online that depict the violent actions of masked assailants armed with sticks, demonstrating the chaotic nature of the evening. One particular video shows an individual in a mask aggressively confronting activists, further illustrating the dangers faced by those in the region.
International reactions and calls for action
The incident has drawn significant international attention, with former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, known for his outspoken stance against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, expressing profound dismay at the reports. Conte characterized the events surrounding Ballal as a “lynching” and has called for stringent diplomatic and economic sanctions against Israel in response to this violence.
“Hamdan has since disappeared and it is unclear whether he is receiving medical treatment or what is happening to him,” Abraham added.
This troubling incident underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and raises urgent questions about the safety and rights of filmmakers and activists working to shed light on the experiences of Palestinian communities.