A prominent Palestinian activist, Odeh Hathalin, was shot and killed on Monday by an Israeli settler in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hathalin, known for his work as a consultant on the Oscar-winning documentary “No Other Land,” was targeted in the village of Umm al-Khair, located within the Masafer Yatta community. Local journalists and officials confirmed that he was shot in the upper body and succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Israeli police reported their forces arrived at the scene and detained a civilian, whose identity has not been disclosed. The Israeli military claimed that “terrorists hurled rocks toward Israeli civilians near Carmel,” a settlement in proximity to Umm al-Khair. The context of Hathalin’s shooting is significant, as violence in the region has escalated since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. According to the United Nations, at least 964 Palestinians have died in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, due to actions taken by Israeli forces and settlers during this period.
Reactions to Hathalin’s Death
The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from left-wing Israeli politicians. Ofer Cassif, a member of Israel’s parliament, demanded a thorough investigation into Hathalin’s death, stating, “The incident occurred in broad daylight, in front of cameras, with no fear of legal consequences.” He emphasized the lack of accountability often faced by settlers involved in violent acts against Palestinians.
Palestinian journalist Basel Adra, a co-director of “No Other Land,” lamented the loss of his friend in a heartfelt Instagram post. “He was standing in front of the community when a settler fired a bullet that pierced his chest and took his life,” Adra wrote. “This is how Israel erases us – one life at a time.”
This tragic incident is not an isolated event. Just last month, Hathalin was detained at San Francisco International Airport upon arriving for an interfaith speaking tour, only to have his visa revoked by immigration officials. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinian activists abroad.
Background of “No Other Land”
The documentary “No Other Land” captures the struggles of the Masafer Yatta community amid Israeli settlement expansion and military actions. It won the award for Best Documentary Feature Film at the 2024 Oscars. Its poignant final scene depicts the shooting of Adra’s cousin, Zakara al-Adra, by an Israeli settler in October 2023, underscoring the film’s powerful message regarding the ongoing violence in the region.
The film has faced backlash, with settlers reportedly targeting those involved in its production. Hamdan Ballal, another co-director, has shared harrowing experiences of being attacked by settlers outside his home in the village of Susya. He described a terrifying encounter where he believed the group of settlers would kill him, illustrating the perilous climate for Palestinian activists.
The situation remains tense as the international community continues to scrutinize the actions of settlers in the West Bank, where Israeli settlements are deemed illegal under international law. The killing of Odeh Hathalin marks another somber chapter in the ongoing conflict, raising urgent questions about accountability and justice in the region.
