Hamdan Ballal, a filmmaker and human rights activist, won the 2024 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature with his film 'No Other Land', which highlights the struggles and violence faced by his community in Susiya, a small village in the West Bank. Despite the global recognition and support garnered from the Oscar win, Ballal experienced a brutal attack and arrest at his home, illustrating the persistent violence and occupation his community endures. On March 24, during a Ramadan evening, settlers and soldiers attacked Ballal, mocking his Oscar achievement, and subjected him to physical violence and arrest, highlighting the ongoing threats and fears faced by his family and community. The attack, while receiving significant media coverage due to his Oscar win, is not an isolated incident, as dozens of similar attacks have occurred in Susiya and surrounding areas like Masafer Yatta. Despite these challenges, Ballal holds on to the hope brought by international awareness and support, urging people to not turn away from the plight of his community.

Hamdan Ballal's film, 'No Other Land', won the 2024 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, bringing international attention to the struggles of his community in Susiya, a West Bank village plagued by violence and occupation.

Three weeks after winning the Oscar, Ballal was brutally attacked outside his home by settlers and soldiers who mocked his achievement, demonstrating the persistent and harsh realities of life under occupation.

The attack occurred during Ramadan, when settlers were reported attacking, prompting Ballal to document the incident until he feared for his family's safety and returned home, only to be assaulted and arrested.

The violence against Ballal and his community is part of a broader pattern of aggression in the region, with numerous similar incidents recorded, highlighting the precarious existence of Palestinian villages like Susiya and Masafer Yatta.

Ballal's Oscar win, while bringing unprecedented media coverage and global support, has not alleviated the daily threats and fears faced by his community, which continues to suffer from violence and displacement.

Despite the challenges, Ballal finds some solace and hope in the international recognition of their plight, urging global audiences to remain engaged and supportive of their struggle for change and justice.

The broader context of Ballal's story illustrates the disconnect between global recognition and local reality, as the accolades from the Oscars contrast starkly with the ongoing violence and lack of legal protection for his community.