In the west, across the rugged terrain of the West Bank lies Al-Tuwaneh, a hamlet recently witnessing the demolition of a Palestinian family’s shed by Israeli troops. This act is yet another example of the ongoing battles in a region where the inhabitants face the threat of displacement. As the residents navigate these challenges, a glimmer of hope emerges from the triumph of a film centered on their plight.
Palestinians in the contentious Masafer Yatta area celebrated the Oscar achievements of “No Other Land,” a documentary portraying the perseverance of their community. The film’s success at the Oscars has instilled a measure of hope among the residents, who anticipate that the recognition may usher in support for their cause.
Salem Adra, a resident of al-Tuwaneh, recounted the exhilaration of watching his brother Basel Adra, co-director of the documentary, accept the Oscar for best documentary. The film, a collaboration between the Palestinian filmmaker and an Israeli journalist, Yuval Abraham, showcases Basel Adra as he confronts legal risks to bring attention to the systematic upheaval occurring in Masafer Yatta.
“No Other Land” has acquired numerous international accolades, debuting at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2024. Its narrative has gained heightened significance amidst Israel’s military operations impacting Gaza’s population and an increasing number of raids in the West Bank that have displaced countless Palestinians. However, the film’s reception in Israel has been contentious, particularly following the devastating attack by Hamas in October 2023, which sparked ongoing conflict.
Salem Adra, who occasionally assisted in filming, expressed hope that the Oscar win would enlighten the global community to the conditions in Masafer Yatta. He remarked that it is a collective victory for the entire Palestinian community residing in the region. However, since the introduction of the film, his family has faced escalated threats and actions, including settler attacks and military detentions.
The troubled history of Masafer Yatta began in the 1980s when the area was designated as a live-fire training zone by the Israeli military, with plans to expel the Arab Bedouin population. Despite a long-standing legal battle, the Israeli Supreme Court upheld the expulsion order. Troops continue to dismantle homes and other structures, instilling fear of an impending full-scale eviction.
Recent demolitions included the tearing down of a shed in a nearby hamlet, and settlers have intensified their presence with numerous outposts established around al-Tuwaneh. Local shepherds, like Raed al-Hamamdeh, describe the military and settler interventions that hinder their agricultural activities and pose a persistent threat. Drones and confrontations are common deterrents against residents venturing too close to such outposts.
Within Israel, the documentary has sparked limited yet fervent reactions. Some criticism followed its initial recognition in Berlin, particularly directed at Abraham’s acceptance speeches that called for peace without initial reference to the underlying violence perpetrated by Hamas. These sentiments persisted despite addresses acknowledging both sides of the conflict.
Typically, Israeli films earning international recognition are celebrated locally, yet in the aftermath of violence, public reception is markedly subdued. Expert opinions suggest that while the documentary may not immediately sway Israeli perceptions, its message remains challenging to disregard, especially against the backdrop of recent hostilities.
In his Oscar speech, Basel Adra implored the international community to resist injustice and end what he termed ethnic cleansing, envisioning a more hopeful future for his newborn daughter. Meanwhile, Salem Adra continues to safeguard his home against imminent threats, a steadfast vigil maintained with security measures mapping the surroundings against settler intrusions.
