Oscar-Winning Palestinian Director Hamouda Baloul Details Arrest by Israeli Military

Arrest and Allegations

• Palestinian Academy Award-winning filmmaker Hamouda Baloul was arrested by the Israeli military after allegedly being attacked by Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank.
• Baloul claims he was beaten in front of his wife outside his home before Israeli soldiers arrived and pointed guns at him and other Palestinians, leading to his arrest.
• He was held at an army base, blindfolded, and forced to sleep under a freezing air conditioner, stating he was the victim but treated as a perpetrator.

Release and Aftermath

• After a week in custody, Baloul was released and sought medical attention, presenting with bruises on his face and blood on his clothes.
• He stated that he was filming settler violence when he was attacked and subsequently detained.

Film and Context

• Baloul won an Oscar this month as part of the directing team for the documentary 'No Other Land'.
• The film highlights the struggles of living under Israeli occupation, with a co-director emphasizing that Palestinian and Israeli voices together are stronger.

Israeli Military's Statement

• The Israeli military stated that Baloul was held for throwing stones at Israeli citizens and endangering security.
• Baloul denies these accusations, maintaining he was documenting settler violence prior to his detention.
• Two other Palestinians were arrested along with Baloul; police have not commented on the incident.