Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian filmmaker and activist, has recently been thrust into the spotlight following a harrowing incident in the West Bank. Just weeks after his Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land brought global attention to the struggles of Palestinian communities, Ballal found himself at the center of a violent attack in Susya.

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Who is Hamdan Ballal?

Hamdan Ballal is a co-director of the critically acclaimed documentary No Other Land, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. The film exposes the realities of life for Palestinians in the West Bank, particularly in the contested region of Masafer Yatta. In addition to filmmaking, Ballal is a passionate activist and researcher involved in projects like Humans of Masafer Yatta, a storytelling initiative documenting the experiences of Palestinian residents in the region.

His dedication to shedding light on the plight of Palestinian communities has made him a respected figure in human rights circles. However, his activism has also placed him in direct conflict with those seeking to suppress these narratives.

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The Incident in Susya

On March 24, 2025, Hamdan Ballal was reportedly attacked by a group of Israeli settlers in Susya, a village in Masafer Yatta. Witnesses described the attackers as masked and armed with sticks and stones. The group targeted Ballal and other activists, smashing car windows, slashing tires, and hurling stones. During the violent encounter, Ballal suffered injuries to his head and stomach.

As he attempted to seek medical aid, the situation escalated further. Reports indicate that Israeli soldiers entered the ambulance treating Ballal and detained him, along with two other Palestinians. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) later claimed that the detainees were suspected of throwing rocks, though activists and witnesses strongly disputed these allegations. They argue that Ballal and others were the victims of an unprovoked attack.

This shocking event has gained significant attention, particularly given its timing—coming so soon after No Other Land won an Oscar. The film, co-directed by Ballal, Yuval Abraham, Basel Adra, and Rachel Szor, highlights the displacement of Palestinian communities in Masafer Yatta, where homes are frequently demolished to make way for Israeli military zones.

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Public Reaction

The attack and detention of Hamdan Ballal have ignited global outrage. Activists, filmmakers, and human rights organizations have taken to social media, demanding his immediate release and condemning the violence he faced. The International Documentary Association issued a strong statement, urging transparency regarding his condition and whereabouts.

As the news spread, the incident has also reignited debates on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shedding light on the increasing dangers faced by those documenting and resisting displacement in the region. Ballal’s detention is widely viewed as an attempt to silence a powerful voice advocating for Palestinian rights.

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Hamdan Ballal’s story is a stark reminder of the risks faced by activists and filmmakers who dare to speak out against injustice. His attack and subsequent detention underscore the urgent need for accountability and transparency in the region. While the event is deeply troubling, it has also galvanized support for Ballal’s cause, bringing renewed attention to the struggles faced by Palestinian communities.

As the world watches, the call for justice grows louder. The fight for human rights and freedom of expression continues, and Ballal’s resilience remains a testament to the power of storytelling in the face of oppression.

“Israeli-Palestinian film ‘No Other Land’ wins best documentary feature” – Free Malaysia Today (FMT). Licensed under Creative Commons. Available at: Free Malaysia Today (FMT)

1. Free Malaysia Today (FMT) – Israeli-Palestinian film ‘No Other Land’ wins best documentary feature. Available at: FMT
2. Humans of Masafer Yatta – Firsthand documentation of life in Masafer Yatta. Available at: Humans of Masafer Yatta
3. International Documentary Association (IDA) – Statement on Hamdan Ballal’s detention. Available at: documentary.org
4. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Press Release – Official statement on the detainment of Hamdan Ballal. Available at: idf.il