A Palestinian who won an Academy Award has been arrested in the occupied West Bank after clashes erupted between Israeli settlers and Palestinians, according to activists.
Hamdan Ballal, one of the four co-directors of No Other Land, found himself with his home encircled by settlers when an assault took place on Monday in the village of Susya. This information comes from five Jewish American activists.
Co-director Yuval Abraham stated that Mr. Ballal was assaulted and seized by soldiers while he was inside an ambulance, though this account has been challenged by Israeli authorities.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that three Palestinians and one Israeli were apprehended for allegedly throwing rocks at security personnel without specifically mentioning Mr. Ballal.
The five Jewish-American activists stated that roughly a dozen masked settlers launched an assault in Susiya around 18:00 (16:00 GMT).
The activists stated that they visited the village to record the event but were assaulted instead. Settlers broke their car windows and attacked them physically by punching, hitting them with sticks, and using violence against them.
It is said that Mr. Ballal’s residence was encircled by the settlers.
Yuval Abraham, the Israeli director who recently received an Oscar along with Mr. Ballal, mentioned that several individuals were harmed and multiple properties damaged during the assault.
An activist informed LIFEHACK that they had reported to the Israeli soldiers that they were being attacked. According to them, the army responded and the settlers withdrew.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their troops along with Israeli police forces were dispatched to calm down the situation.
It was reported that stones had been “thrown” at law enforcement officers.
The IDF stated that in reaction, the forces detained three Palestinians accused of throwing stones at them, along with an Israeli civilian who was part of the violent clash.
The prisoners were transferred for additional interrogation by the Israel Police. A local citizen sustained injuries during the event and was transported to obtain medical care.
No Other Land –
which won the award for Best Documentary at the 97th Academy Awards
– tracks the conflict surrounding Masafer Yatta, comprising roughly 20 villages, and explores the bond between Adra and Abraham.
Since 1967, Israel has been occupying the West Bank. The settlements established by Israelis in these territories are regarded as unlawful according to international law; however, Israel does not agree with this view.
Over the last 55 years, they have grown significantly, emerging as a key site for conflict and competing assertions about territory.
Following the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023, attacks on Palestinian citizens in the West Bank by settlers have increased dramatically.