Hamdan Balal, co-director of the Oscar winning documentary ‘No other land’, was attacked by Israeli Settlers, after which the Israeli army took him into custody. The incident took place in Susia village of West Bank, where three Palestinian citizens including Balal were arrested. His lawyer Lia Tsamel confirmed the incident and said that he was placed at the Israeli military base, but has not been allowed to meet him.
Story behind attack
Another co-director of the film, Basel Adra, said that about 20 Setters entered the village, some of which were masked, some were armed and some were in uniform of Israeli soldiers. According to Adra, the attack looks like “punishment” for making his film.
The Israeli army claims that they arrested three Palestinians for throwing stones at the soldiers, while an Israeli citizen was also detained. However, eyewitnesses and AP reports have dismissed the army’s claims.
Screams and blood marks during the attack
Adra told that the sounds of firing were heard outside Balal’s house and his wife heard him “I am dying” shouting. After some time, the Israeli soldiers lifted them blindfolded and handcuffed. Blood marks were also found at the scene.
Activists also attacked
The activists of the Jewish Ahimsa Center were also attacked. Activist Josh Kimmeman said that the masked settlers attacked with stones and sticks, broke the car windows and tore tires so that they could not run away.
‘No other land’ and conflict between West Bank
This year, Oscar winner, the documentary ‘No other land’ reflects the struggle of the Palestinians living in the Masafar Yatta region, fighting against the demolition of their settlements by the Israeli army. The film was produced by Palestinian directors Hamdan Balal and Basel Adra along with Israeli directors Uval Abraham and Rechal Szor.
Increasing violence in West Bank
After the 1967 war, Israel captured West Bank, Gaza Patti and East Jerusalem. Palestinians consider these areas to be a part of their future country, while Israel has settled over 100 settlements in West Bank, where more than 5 lakh Israeli settlers live.
The Masafar Yatta region was declared a military training area by the Israeli army in the 1980s, and ordered the Palestinians living there to be removed. But more than 1,000 Palestinians still live there and are constantly facing the threat of losing their homes, water sources and fields.
Violence in West Bank has also increased after the Gaza war. Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in the attacks of Israeli forces and setlers, while Palestinian attacks on the other side have also increased.
