United Nations (United States) (AFP) – Palestinian director Basel Adra, who won an Oscar this year for co-directing a documentary on Israeli violence in the West Bank, sounded the alarm at the UN on Thursday, saying the situation was worsening despite the film’s success. Adra was invited to speak by the UN Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People at a screening of his film, “No Other Land.”
The documentary chronicles the forced displacement of Palestinians by Israeli troops and settlers in Masafer Yatta — an area Israel declared a restricted military zone in the 1980s. “I wanted the world to know that we live in this land, that we exist, and to see what we face on a daily basis, this brutal occupation,” Adra told the UN. The film depicts events like bulldozers demolishing houses and a school, as well as the provocations by Israeli settlers on Palestinian residents — including those which escalate to violence.
After a prolonged legal battle, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled in 2022 in favor of the Israeli army, allowing the expulsion of residents from eight villages in the region. “Even after winning the Oscar, we went back to the same reality,” Adra said, adding that the situation was “only changing from worse to worse.” “Almost every day, there are settlers’ attacks on Masafer Yatta and all over communities across the West Bank,” Adra continued.
Last week, Adra’s co-director and fellow Palestinian Hamdan Ballal reported he was attacked by Israeli settlers for winning the Oscar, saying he was detained by Israeli police for “hurling rocks,” at which point he suffered a beating and “brutality.” Rights groups have said that since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza — a separate Palestinian territory — there has been a spike in attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
Occupied by Israel since 1967, the West Bank is home to around three million Palestinians, as well as nearly half a million Israelis who live in settlements that are illegal under international law. “No Other Land,” despite winning a prestigious Oscar, has struggled to find distribution in the United States, screening at only a handful of cinemas.
© 2024 AFP
This is such an important issue! It’s high time the world pays attention to the suffering of Palestinians. Basel Adra is a hero for speaking out! #FreePalestine
Absolutely! Basel Adra is doing a tremendous job bringing these issues to light. The world needs to hear these voices and see what’s really happening. #JusticeForPalestine
While I appreciate the art and effort, I can’t help but wonder why this documentary isn’t receiving more coverage. Seems like every time there’s a focus on Palestine, it’s drowned out by other news.
I totally get what you mean! It’s frustrating how important stories like this don’t get the attention they deserve. It’s like the media picks and chooses what to focus on.
This article seems biased and raises some important questions. Are we sure about the details presented here? It’s crucial to critically evaluate the information we’re receiving, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like this. I find it hard to trust everything that comes out of the UN; there have been instances in the past where information has been skewed or misrepresented. It’s possible that what we’re seeing could just be propaganda aimed at supporting the Palestinian agenda, which could lead to a one-sided understanding of the situation. Therefore, it is essential to seek out multiple perspectives and verify facts before forming a solid opinion.
I totally get your concerns! I mean, we’ve seen how narratives can be twisted, especially when politics are involved. It’s important to look at all sides and not just accept what one group is saying. As for the UN, yeah, they have had their share of questionable actions in the past.
I HONESTLY DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE CARE SO MUCH ABOUT THIS CONFLICT. IT’S BEEN GOING ON FOR DECADES. CAN’T THEY JUST MOVE ON AND TRY TO LIVE BETTER LIVES?
We need more voices like Basel’s in the media… The world shouldn’t ignore the daily struggles of those in the occupied territories… It’s disgusting what’s happening there…
Absolutely! It’s important for media to reflect the struggles of all people, especially those who are marginalized. Basel’s work brings attention to an often ignored narrative.
IDK, but I feel like sometimes these filmmakers just want to make money or get fame. Winning an Oscar doesn’t automatically mean their cause is legit! What about the other side of the story?
I don’t understand why people can’t just live together in peace 🕊️✨. We need dialogue, not more violence 🔊💬. Adra’s film sounds important 🎬, but it’s such a complex situation 🤔🌍.
The reality is that settlers are just protecting their land, which they believe has historical and personal significance to them. Why should we feel sorry for those who break the law? Laws are in place to maintain order, and if individuals are found to be residing illegally in a territory, then the law should be upheld. It raises questions about fairness and justice, especially when one considers the ongoing complexities of the situation. Some might argue that it seems biased in favor of Palestinians, as their plight is often highlighted, while the concerns of settlers and their rights to defend their land are less frequently acknowledged. Understanding both perspectives is crucial in this highly contentious issue.
All know how criminal minded are the zionisms are . We should seek why Hitler throughn them out .
It’s really disheartening to see how some people still hold onto such divisive views. History is complex, and blaming an entire group based on the actions of some isn’t fair. We should focus on understanding rather than hate.
It’s really concerning how people twist history. Hitler’s actions were based on his own hatred and not on any justified reasoning. Blaming an entire group for the atrocities of one man is just wrong. Let’s focus on understanding and peace instead.