Hadash MK Ofer Cassif denounced Monday night, March 24, that the co-director of “No Other Land” was attacked by the settlers in the village of Susya at the occupied Palestinian territories.

The video shared by Cassif on social media show masked settlers attacking Israeli peace activists who were on the scene to document their actions. The clip shows two masked people shoving members of the group before other assailants attack the group’s vehicle, shattering the car’s windshield with a rock.

Hamdan Ballal, the co-director of “No Other Land” (Photo: Bernilale)

“Hamdan Ballal was attacked by Israeli settlers and arrested by the Israeli army in his home village of Susiya in Masafer Yatta. We do not know his current whereabouts or condition,” Cassif shared. “The group of assailants arrived at approximately 6 PM with batons, knives, and at least one assault rifle; many were also masked.” Cassif also shared that he was unable to confirm where Ballal was being held.

“Hamdan Ballal, the academy awards winning Palestinian director and journalist was attacked in his home as part of a large-scale pogrom by settlers. Not only was he wounded severely, but he was also kidnapped directly out of the ambulance during his medical evacuation and arrested by the Israeli military. All attempts to receive official confirmation of his location, including personally by me (a member of Parliament) have failed. His whereabouts are still unknown, and his life and liberty are in grave danger. Under the tyrannical occupation, even the Oscar can’t protect you from harm,” Cassif wrote.

According to the occupation army, when troops arrived to Susya “to disperse the conflict, a number of terrorists began throwing stones toward the security forces.” Soldiers then arrested Ballal and the other suspects. Attorney Lea Tsemel said police told her that Ballal and the other detainees were being held at a military base for medical treatment and that she was not able to speak with them.

Basel Adra, a co-director of “No Other Land,” which chronicles Israel’s demolition of Masafer Yatta, witnessed Balla’s detention. Adra said around two dozen settlers — some masked, some carrying guns, some in Israeli uniform — attacked the village. “We came back from the Oscars and every day since there is an attack on us,” Adra told The Associated Press. “This might be their revenge on us for making the movie. It feels like a punishment.”

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32506