Oscar-Winning Director Arrested Amid West Bank Tensions

Hamdan Ballal, an Oscar-winning director, was arrested following a raid by Israeli settlers on a Palestinian village in the West Bank. The attack, which injured several individuals, occurred during a Ramadan gathering. Israeli authorities claimed their intervention was a response to rock-throwing by Palestinians.

Hamdan Ballal, the Oscar-winning director known for his documentary on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, was arrested after being injured in a raid by Israeli settlers. The attack took place during an Iftar gathering in Susiya village, West Bank, as confirmed by local official Jihad Nawajaa.

Nawajaa reported to Reuters that dozens of settlers disrupted the gathering, leading to a confrontation that resulted in injuries on the Palestinian side. Three men, including Ballal, were arrested by Israeli police amid the chaos, raising concerns over increasing settler violence.

Witnesses described the violence and alleged that settlers aimed to prevent Ballal from documenting the events. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region and has stirred reactions from international observers and human rights groups.

(With inputs from agencies.)