West Bank

By Maryam Ahmad

A former head of Israel’s intelligence agency has sharply condemned rising settler violence in the West Bank, saying it has left him “ashamed to be a Jew.”

Tamir Pardo, who led Mossad from 2011 to 2016, made the remarks in a recent interview, warning that attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities are eroding Israel’s moral standing and threatening its long-term security. His comments come amid an uptick in reported incidents involving arson, assaults, and property damage in the territory.

Human rights organisations have documented a rise in settler-related violence in recent months, often carried out with limited accountability. Israeli authorities say they are working to curb such incidents, but critics argue enforcement remains inconsistent.

Pardo’s intervention adds to a growing chorus of current and former security officials voicing concern over developments in the West Bank. He urged the government to uphold the rule of law and take decisive action against perpetrators, warning that failure to do so risks further escalation and international isolation.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Acclaimed British documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux returns to the screen with his latest project, The Settlers, an in-depth look at the controversial and deeply divisive issue of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Premiering this week on BBC Two, The Settlers offers viewers unprecedented access to life inside some of the most ideologically driven and politically sensitive Israeli settlements.

Known for his immersive style, Theroux embeds himself in communities where religious conviction and nationalist sentiment run high, engaging with settlers, Palestinians, and human rights activists alike.

The documentary explores the motivations behind the settlers’ presence in the region, the tensions it creates with Palestinian residents, and the broader implications for peace in the Middle East.

Theroux approaches the subject with his signature calm and probing demeanour, seeking to understand rather than judge, even as he confronts conflicting worldviews and stark realities on the ground.

Critics have praised the documentary for its nuanced storytelling and bold exploration of one of the most intractable issues in modern geopolitics.

As Theroux notes in the film, “What’s striking is not just the conflict, but the normalization of it — the way people live their daily lives in a place most of the world sees as a flashpoint.”

The Settlers is currently available on BBC iPlayer and will be broadcast internationally in the coming months.

By Maryam Ahmad

Oscar-winning filmmaker Yuval Abraham has revealed that his co-director, Hamdan Ballal, was beaten and attacked by Israeli settlers. Abraham, who co-directed No Other Land with Ballal, shared the news following their recent Academy Award win.

According to Abraham, Ballal was assaulted by a group of Israeli settlers amid escalating violence in the region. The attack has sparked outrage, with calls for accountability and protection for journalists and filmmakers working in conflict zones.

No Other Land, which won Best Documentary at the 2024 Oscars, highlights the impact of Israel’s occupation through a deeply personal perspective. The film’s success has drawn global attention to the Palestinian struggle, but its creators now face increasing threats.

Ballal’s condition remains unclear, and further details about the attack are yet to be confirmed. Human rights groups have condemned the incident and demanded an independent investigation.