Oscar-Winning Director's Arrest Brings West Bank Tensions to Forefront

Hamdan Ballal, a Palestinian director and co-creator of the Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land,' was detained and allegedly beaten by settlers in the West Bank. The film highlights Palestinian struggles under Israeli occupation. His detention and attack have caught attention amid escalating regional tensions.

Hamdan Ballal, the Palestinian director who recently won an Oscar for the documentary film "No Other Land," was released after being detained by Israeli authorities. Ballal, with visible injuries, was reportedly attacked by Jewish settlers outside his home in the West Bank. His arrest and release have sparked international attention.

Ballal and two other Palestinians were released from a police station in Kiryat Arba and were taken to a hospital in Hebron. Their attorney, Lea Tsemel, claimed they received minimal care while detained. Ballal's wife, Lamia, recounted hearing him being brutally beaten by settlers, who were allegedly in military-like gear.

The attack appears to underscore the heightened tensions following the Oscar win. The film, which narrates Palestinian resistance against Israeli military actions in Masafer Yatta, has stirred controversy worldwide. Regional violence persists, with increased settler and military confrontations further complicating peace efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)