Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary ‘No Other Land’, has recently brought attention to the escalating violence faced by his family in Susiya, a village in the occupied West Bank. In a press conference held outside his home, Ballal expressed his concerns that the situation has worsened, indicating that not only is he being targeted, but now his family has also become victims of aggression from Israeli settlers. This shift in targeting signifies a troubling trend of retaliation against those who raise awareness about the violence they experience.

The escalation of violence took a toll on Ballal’s family after they reported the presence of settlers to the Israeli police. On February 15th, an incident of violent aggression occurred when settlers retaliated against Ballal’s family following this report. Hamdan specifically named Shem Tov Lusky, a settler he holds responsible for a previous assault he suffered in March 2025. This ongoing conflict highlights the perilous circumstances faced by Palestinian families in the West Bank, where violence from settlers often goes unpunished.

Ballal’s advocacy not only sheds light on his personal misfortunes but also resonates with broader issues relating to human rights violations against Palestinians. His situation exemplifies the challenges faced by individuals who spotlight these injustices, as their actions frequently lead to repercussions for their families and communities. As the situation continues to unfold, Ballal's experiences may galvanize further discussion about the plight of Palestinians under occupation and the responsibilities of the international community in addressing these issues.