Israel arrests ‘No Other Land’ director Hamdan Ballal

Israel recently sparked outrage on social media after reports revealed that Israeli authorities arrested Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian activist and director who worked on the Oscar-winning film ‘No Other Land.’

According to Israeli news outlet Ynet, Hamdan was arrested on suspicion of throwing rocks at Israeli settlers in the West Bank. His arrest comes after the killing of fellow Palestinian activist and teacher, Odeh Hadalin, who was shot dead by an Israeli settler in Masafer Yatta.

Odeh Hadalin, who helped document the Israeli attacks on Palestinians residing in Masafer Yatta, “was shot dead by settlers… during their attack on the village of Umm al-Khair,” as reported by the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Education.

Israel arrests ‘No Other Land’ director Hamdan Ballal

The report revealed that a violent clash between Palestinians and Israeli residents erupted, which resulted in the intervention of local police. The police were forced to arrest individuals from both parties, including Hamdan. Moreover, the clash caused damage to several vehicles in the area.

In March 2025, Hamdan Ballal was violently attacked inside his home in Susya and rushed to the hospital after sustaining injuries to the head and stomach. Before getting rushed to the hospital, Israeli forces stopped Hamdan but later released him.

The attack sparked widespread anger from pro-Palestinian and human rights activists who called for the protection of Palestinian residents in the West Bank, while raising concerns over future violent interactions.