Israeli Forces Prevent Media Access to Palestinian Village
Israeli forces blocked an international media delegation from entering the village of Tuwani in the occupied West Bank on Monday. The village is home to Basel Adra, a Palestinian director whose Oscar-winning film, No Other Land, depicts the forced displacement faced by Palestinians in Masafer Yatta.
Context: Rising Violence in Masafer Yatta
Masafer Yatta, located in the southern West Bank, was declared a restricted military area by Israel in the 1980s. It has recently witnessed intensified violence, including house demolitions and attacks by settlers. Journalists, invited by Adra and co-director Yuval Abraham, sought to highlight this escalation.
However, at the entrance to Tuwani, Israeli forces, citing a warrant for a one-day checkpoint, barred access to the journalists and a Palestinian Authority delegation. The move was described by Abraham as a reflection of the Israeli authorities’ role in perpetuating attacks on Palestinians in the region.
Yuval Abraham remarked: "After the army destroyed a village and allowed settlers to invade it, they are now blocking our tour with dozens of international journalists, saying they're not allowed to enter Masafer Yatta and visit home."
Increase in Settler Violence and Demolitions
Basel Adra characterized the situation as rapidly deteriorating, stating that settler violence and demolitions by Israeli authorities against Palestinian homes, schools, and properties have intensified significantly.
An unnamed Israeli officer explained the restrictions as measures to "maintain public order," alleging violent clashes between settlers, Palestinians, journalists, and others. The officer justified barring entry to prevent further violence.
Adra also noted a recent incident where settlers entered Khallet al-Dabaa, a nearby hamlet previously bulldozed by Israeli forces, where residents continue to face harassment.
State and Settler Relations under Scrutiny
Co-director Yuval Abraham condemned the blockade as emblematic of the relationship between state forces and settler violence. He asserted that the police and soldiers at the scene often fail to prevent settler attacks and may even participate in them.
Ongoing Conflict in the West Bank
Since 1967, Israel has occupied the West Bank, home to approximately three million Palestinians and of which about 500,000 Israelis reside in settlements deemed illegal under international law. The outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023 has led to escalated violence in the region.
- At least 220 Palestinians have been injured due to settler attacks since the beginning of 2025.
- At least 937 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers during the same period.
- 35 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed in attacks and clashes in the West Bank.
Hope for Change Amidst Ongoing Challenges
Yuval Abraham expressed a cautious hope that the international success of their film might influence positive change on the ground. Yet, he lamented the lack of tangible action despite increased global awareness.
