Israeli Soldiers Block Journalists on ‍‍`No Other Land‍‍` West Bank Tour

Israeli soldiers on Monday prevented a group of international journalists from entering Palestinian villages in the West Bank during a tour organized by the filmmakers of No Other Land, the Oscar-winning documentary highlighting settler violence.

The directors—Palestinian and Israeli collaborators—had invited the journalists to speak with local residents and witness the growing impact of Israeli settler attacks. However, military personnel barred access to villages, citing a military order.

Co-director Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist from Masafer Yatta, said the journalists were denied entry to his home village of Tuwani and another nearby village, Khallet A-Daba. He accused the military of trying to prevent media coverage of the violence. “It’s clear they don’t want the world to see what is happening here,” he said.

While some access was eventually granted to one village, other areas remain blocked. In Khallet A-Daba, settlers reportedly destroyed personal property and occupied village caves, continuing a pattern of violence and land seizure that has escalated since October 7, 2023.

The filmmakers, whose documentary also won Best Documentary at Berlinale, have faced backlash for their outspoken criticism of Israeli policies and military practices. Despite the controversy, Berlinale’s new director defended their work and condemned attempts to label the filmmakers as antisemitic.

No Other Land continues to spark international debate, drawing attention to the unequal treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and the ongoing demolition of their homes and communities under military occupation.