Hamdan Ballal, co-director of the Palestinian documentary 'No Other Land' which won an Oscar nearly a year ago, shares a grim assessment of life in the West Bank, highlighting a recent violent incident involving settlers targeting his family. He emphasizes that the question of why he remains in Palestine is frustrating, as it shifts the responsibility onto victims rather than addressing the systemic issues they face. Ballal asserts that leaving would not be a choice but rather a response to continual pressure and aggression from Israeli settlers and military authorities.

Despite the international recognition received from the Oscar, life has not improved for Palestinians like Ballal, and in fact, he notes a worsening situation marked by increased violence and instability. The documentary brought attention to their struggles, yet the reality on the ground remains bleak, as they encounter daily threats and violations of their rights. Ballal voices a profound sense of injustice, expressing frustration at the failure of international law to protect them from such aggressions.

In reflecting on his experiences, Ballal urges for greater awareness and response from the international community regarding the plight of Palestinians. He challenges the narrative that frames the plight of those living under occupation merely as an issue of personal choice regarding residency and underscores the need for systemic change to address the ongoing violations and deteriorating conditions in the region.