The attack occurred during Ramadan as settlers, some masked and armed, raided Susiya. Witnesses say Israeli soldiers, who arrived at the scene, aimed their weapons at Palestinians while settlers continued their assault. The Israeli police alleged that the three detained Palestinians were suspected of rock throwing and property damage but released them with restrictions after an investigation.
Ballal, known for documenting the struggles of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, has faced repeated threats from settlers. His film No Other Land highlights the impact of Israeli military demolitions and settlement expansions on Palestinian villages. Following the film’s Oscar win, Ballal’s family believes the attack was a form of retaliation. Settler violence has surged amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, with settlers attacking both Palestinians and Jewish activists who support Palestinian rights.
In another incident, Israeli forces killed a 19-year-old Palestinian, Baraa Yusuf, in a raid in Qalqilya, claiming he was planning an imminent attack. Hamas identified him as a member of its armed wing. The West Bank has seen a rise in violence since the war in Gaza began, with Israeli forces and settlers killing over 900 Palestinians and Palestinian attacks killing at least 32 Israelis.
Meanwhile, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee testified at a Senate hearing on his nomination as U.S. ambassador to Israel. While reaffirming his staunch support for Israel, he sought to distance himself from past controversial statements opposing a two-state solution and advocating Israeli annexation of the West Bank. His nomination has sparked opposition from Democrats and pro-Israel groups who see his views as extreme and counterproductive to U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region.