Oscar-Winning Palestinian Director Arrested After Dispute With Settlers

Photo : AFP

Oscar-winning Palestinian filmmaker Hamdan Ballal was arrested in the West Bank after a fight broke out between Israeli settlers and Palestinian villagers. The incident happened in Susiya village, near Hebron, on Monday night.

Ballal was at a meal to break the Ramadan fast when a group of Israeli settlers attacked, said Jihad Nawajaa, a local leader. He said the settlers tried to steal sheep from Palestinian farmers. When villagers tried to stop them, the situation became violent. "Many settlers attacked during Iftar. Our young men tried to protect the people. Around eight of us were injured," said Nawajaa.

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Israeli police arrived and arrested three Palestinians, including Ballal. Nawajaa said Ballal was hurt during the fight, but it is unclear how serious his injuries are.

The Israeli military gave a different report. They said police and soldiers stepped in after Palestinians threw stones at Israeli cars. They arrested three people accused of throwing stones. The army also denied reports that a Palestinian was taken from an ambulance.

Ballal co-directed No Other Land, a documentary about Palestinian communities losing their homes. The film won an Oscar at this year's Academy Awards.

The West Bank has seen many clashes between settlers and Palestinians. Rights groups say settler violence is increasing, and Israeli authorities rarely punish those responsible. Ballal’s arrest has led to protests, with many calling for his release and justice for Palestinian communities.