Hamdan Ballal Missing Following Violent Attack
Hamdan Ballal, the co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land,” is currently unaccounted for after reportedly being attacked by a group of settlers. This alarming news comes from co-director Yuval Abraham, who shared updates via social media platform X.
Details of the Incident
In a post on X, Abraham indicated that Ballal was assaulted, stating, “A group of settlers just lynched Hamdan Ballal, co-director of our film ‘No Other Land.’” He detailed that Ballal suffered injuries, including bleeding from the head and stomach, before being taken away by soldiers who disrupted the ambulance he had called for assistance. Following the incident, Ballal has not been seen.
Eyewitness Accounts
According to reports from activists affiliated with the Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Ballal was among those attacked by 10 to 20 masked settlers, who used stones and sticks. Eyewitnesses recounted how these individuals vandalized vehicles by smashing windows and slashing tires during the confrontation.
Video Evidence and Further Reactions
Abraham also posted a video on X showing a masked individual pushing a person, capturing the chaotic scene before the filmmakers fled to their vehicle. This incident unfolds just weeks after “No Other Land” won the Academy Award for Best Documentary during which the directors highlighted the ongoing destruction in Gaza.
Call for Action at the Oscars
While accepting the Oscar, directors Abraham, Ballal, Basel Adra, and Rachel Szor used their platform to address the dire situation facing Palestinians. Adra, a Palestinian journalist, poignantly stated, “We call on the world to take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people.” He voiced hopes for his newborn daughter to experience a different life, emphasizing the themes of resilience depicted in their film.
About the Documentary “No Other Land”
“No Other Land,” produced as a collaborative effort between Israelis and Palestinians, follows the story of a Palestinian family whose home is destroyed by the Israeli government, leading to their displacement. The narrative explores the unexpected friendship that develops between Adra and Abraham as they collaborate to document the family’s struggle.
Debuting at the Berlin Film Festival, the documentary garnered significant accolades, including both Jury and Audience Awards. Despite its critical acclaim and appearances at other prestigious festivals, such as Toronto and New York, the film currently lacks a U.S. distributor, prompting the filmmakers to opt for a self-release earlier this year in major cities.
Conclusion
The incident involving Hamdan Ballal has raised serious concerns about the safety of individuals involved in documenting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the situation develops, the filmmakers and activists call for increased awareness and action regarding the injustices faced in the region.