Palestinian Oscar Winner Reportedly Detained in West Bank Amid Clashes
A Palestinian filmmaker, who recently received an Oscar, has reportedly been detained in the occupied West Bank. According to activists, this occurred following a surge in violence involving Israeli settlers and Palestinians.
Details of the Detention
Hamdan Ballal, one of the co-directors of the documentary “No Other Land,” was allegedly apprehended after his residence in Susya village was surrounded by settlers during an incident on Monday. Five Jewish American activists present in the area reported this.
Yuval Abraham, another co-director of the film, stated that Mr. Ballal was allegedly assaulted and then taken into custody by Israeli soldiers while in an ambulance. However, Israeli authorities have disputed this account.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), without explicitly naming Mr. Ballal, issued a statement confirming the detention of three Palestinians and one Israeli individual. They stated these detentions were made on suspicion of “throwing rocks” at security personnel.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Incident
The Jewish American activists recounted that approximately twelve masked settlers initiated an attack in Susya around 18:00 (16:00 GMT).
These activists, who were in the village to document the unfolding events, reported being targeted themselves. They alleged that settlers damaged their vehicles by smashing windows and physically assaulted them with punches and sticks.
Reports indicate that Mr. Ballal’s home was encircled by the settlers during this confrontation.
Mr. Abraham further stated that injuries were sustained and property was damaged in the Susya attack.
Military Response and Differing Narratives
An activist who witnessed the events informed the BBC that complaints were lodged with Israeli soldiers regarding the ongoing settler assault. According to the activist, the military intervened, leading to the settlers retreating.
The Israeli military confirmed that IDF troops and Israeli police were deployed to Susya to disperse the confrontation.
The IDF maintained that “rocks were hurled” at security forces, prompting their response.
According to the IDF statement: “In response, forces apprehended three Palestinian individuals suspected of throwing rocks and an Israeli civilian involved in the violent confrontation. The detainees were transferred to the Israel Police for further questioning. An Israeli citizen sustained injuries during the incident and was evacuated for medical treatment.”
Context: “No Other Land” and West Bank Settlements
“No Other Land,” recognized as Best Documentary at the recent Academy Awards, explores the situation in Masafer Yatta, a community comprising around 20 villages, and the bond between a Palestinian and an Israeli protagonist.
Israel has maintained control over the West Bank since 1967. International law deems Israeli settlements in this territory illegal, a position contested by Israel.
These settlements have expanded over the past decades, becoming a central point of contention and conflict regarding land claims, and at times, violence.
Escalation of Settler Violence
Incidents of violence perpetrated by settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank have reportedly increased since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023.