Hamdan Ballal Released After West Bank Detention Amid Clashes

Israeli police have released Oscar-winning Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal after detaining him for allegedly “hurling rocks” during a confrontation in the occupied West Bank. However, activists argue that Hamdan Ballal was actually attacked by Israeli settlers before his arrest. The filmmaker, who co-directed No Other Land, described the incident as a violent assault and said he feared for his life. His detention has sparked concerns about the growing violence in the region and the treatment of Palestinians.

Arrest and Allegations

Hamdan Ballal was arrested on Monday in Susya, a village in the southern West Bank. According to the Israeli military, three Palestinians were taken into custody for throwing rocks during a clash between Israelis and Palestinians. Officials claim that both groups hurled rocks, but activists strongly dispute this account. They insist that settlers initiated the violence and that Palestinians were merely defending themselves.

Following his release, Hamdan Ballal appeared in a video with visible injuries. His shirt was covered in blood, and he described the attack as extremely violent. He stated that a settler, with the support of an Israeli soldier, assaulted him repeatedly. His co-director, Yuval Abraham, confirmed that Hamdan Ballal suffered head and stomach injuries. Meanwhile, Basel Adra, another co-director of No Other Land, posted a photo of Ballal on social media to highlight the extent of his injuries.

Growing Concerns Over Settler Violence

The incident has once again drawn attention to rising settler violence in the West Bank. Activists from the anti-occupation group Center for Jewish Nonviolence, who were present during the attack, reported that a group of 15 to 20 settlers targeted Palestinians and foreign activists before Israeli forces arrived. According to them, the settlers also attacked Hamdan Ballal’s house.

Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, rights groups have documented a sharp rise in settler attacks in the West Bank. Many foreign activists regularly stay in Palestinian villages to support local communities and document acts of violence. They often accompany Palestinian farmers and shepherds, ensuring their safety while they work.

The West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, is home to around three million Palestinians. Additionally, nearly half a million Israeli settlers live there, despite international law deeming their presence illegal. The recent spike in violence has intensified calls for international intervention.

Hamdan Ballal’s detention and subsequent release have once again raised alarms about the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank. Activists are urging global attention to the increasing number of violent incidents involving settlers and the Israeli military. Many fear that without stronger international pressure, such attacks will continue unchecked.