Israeli police released Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal on Tuesday, March 25, a day after he was detained for allegedly “hurling rocks” during an incident involving settlers in the occupied West Bank. Ballal, who won an Oscar for the documentary No Other Land, was arrested following what activists described as an attack by settlers in the southern West Bank village of Susya.
Basel Adra, who worked with Ballal on the acclaimed film, shared a photo of Ballal on social media showing bloodstains on his shirt after his release. "After I won the Oscar, I did not expect to be exposed to such attacks," Ballal said in a video, describing the assault as "very strong" with the intent "to kill."The Israeli military reported that three Palestinians were detained on Monday for "hurling rocks" during a confrontation between Israelis and Palestinians in Susya. The incident involved mutual rock-throwing between both parties, according to the military statement. Susya is located near Masafer Yatta, a region central to No Other Land, which documents the forced displacement of Palestinians by Israeli forces and settlers.
A police spokesperson confirmed Ballal’s detention, adding that three individuals, including him, were released on bail. The investigation continues on charges of rock throwing, property damage, and endangering regional security.
Ballal, however, told reporters that a settler had attacked him. "He was hitting me all over my body, and there was also a soldier with him hitting me," he said. Yuval Abraham, co-director of No Other Land, reported that Ballal sustained injuries to his head and stomach, with bleeding.
Activists from the Center for Jewish Nonviolence, who were present in Susya to observe and prevent settler violence, confirmed the attack. "This type of violence is happening on a regular basis," said Jenna, an activist who witnessed the assault. The group of 15 to 20 settlers reportedly attacked the activists and Ballal’s home before Israeli forces arrived.
Rights groups have noted an increase in settler violence in the West Bank since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. The West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, is home to around three million Palestinians and nearly half a million Israelis living in settlements considered illegal under international law.
