Palestinian Activist Odeh Hadalin, Contributor to ‘No Other Land,’ Fatally Shot by Israeli Settler

Tragic news emerges as Odeh Hadalin, key contributor to the acclaimed documentary ‘No Other Land,’ is killed by an Israeli settler in the West Bank.

Odeh Hadalin’s Life and Contribution to ‘No Other Land’

Odeh Hadalin, also known as Awdah Hathaleen, was a Palestinian activist who played a significant role in the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land. The film captures the ongoing destruction of the Masafer Yatta Palestinian community in the West Bank, a story filmed between 2019 and 2023. Hadalin served as a consultant on the project, lending his voice and insights to an urgent and powerful narrative.

The directors of ‘No Other Land’ celebrate their Oscar win.

Circumstances Surrounding the Fatal Shooting

Tragically, Hadalin was shot and killed by an Israeli settler. Israeli journalist and No Other Land co-director Yuval Abraham was among the first to break the news. On July 28, 2025, Abraham shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Hadalin had been shot in the lungs, and shortly after confirmed his passing with a heartbreaking update: “Odeh just died. Murdered.”

“Odeh just died. Murdered.”
— Yuval Abraham

Local residents identified Yinon Levi, a settler who has faced sanctions from both the European Union and the United States, as the shooter. According to the Times of Israel, Levi has been placed under house arrest, monitored by family members, until August 1.

The shooting reportedly occurred during a confrontation when residents tried to prevent settlers from entering land near Umm al-Khair, a village in the West Bank.

Context: Ongoing Tensions and Previous Attacks

This tragic incident follows a distressing pattern. Earlier this year, in March 2025, Hamdan Ballal, another co-director of No Other Land, was attacked by Israeli settlers and detained by the Israeli military. Ballal was released after a day but described the ordeal as the “worst moment” of his life in a reflective New York Times op-ed.

“I could hear my wife and kids screaming and crying, calling for me and telling the men to go away. My wife and I both thought I would be killed. We feared what would happen to my family if I died.”
— Hamdan Ballal

Response from the Film Community and the Academy

The Academy, which awarded No Other Land its Oscar for Best Documentary Feature Film in March 2025, initially faced criticism for its silence during Ballal’s attack. Yuval Abraham expressed disappointment on X, highlighting the Academy’s failure to publicly support Ballal amid the violence.

Following public outcry, the Academy issued a statement condemning violence against artists but did not name specific individuals involved. Moreover, over 800 Academy members, including prominent actors such as Mark Ruffalo, Olivia Colman, Joaquin Phoenix, and Penélope Cruz, signed a letter criticizing the Academy for not standing in solidarity with Ballal.

The Film’s Impact and Recognition

No Other Land premiered globally in February 2024 at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival’s Panorama section. It won both the Panorama Audience Award for Best Documentary and the Berlinale Documentary Film Award. Its emotional power and urgent message struck a chord, culminating in the Oscar victory.

Co-director Basel Adra, in his acceptance speech, shared a deeply personal hope: that his newborn daughter won’t have to endure the fear and displacement that define many Palestinian lives today.

“No Other Land reflects the harsh reality that we’ve been enduring for decades and still resist as we call on the world to take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.”
— Basel Adra

The Wider Picture: Land Struggles in Masafer Yatta

The documentary portrays the ongoing struggles of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, a West Bank area facing repeated home demolitions, forced displacements, and severe surveillance under Israeli occupation. This film is more than a record; it’s a call for global attention and urgent action.

Watch the Official Trailer for ‘No Other Land’

For those who want to understand the gravity of the situation, the official trailer offers a glimpse into the lives affected by this conflict:

[Trailer currently unavailable for embedding]

Reflecting on Loss and Justice

The death of Odeh Hadalin is a painful reminder of the perils faced by activists and civilians caught in geopolitical strife. His work on No Other Land helped shed light on the resilience of a community under siege, and his loss has struck a deep chord within the global arts and human rights communities.

Conclusion

How can storytelling through documentaries like No Other Land influence global awareness and action in conflict zones? What can the international community do to better protect activists and innocent civilians living in regions affected by such violence?

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who was Odeh Hadalin?
  Odeh Hadalin was a Palestinian activist and consultant for the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land that depicts the struggles of the Masafer Yatta community.
• What happened to Odeh Hadalin?
  He was shot and killed by an Israeli settler identified as Yinon Levi during a confrontation near the West Bank village of Umm al-Khair.
• What is the significance of the film 'No Other Land'?
  The film highlights the forced displacement and daily hardships faced by Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, winning multiple international awards including an Oscar.
• How did the film community react to these events?
  There was widespread criticism of the Academy for not supporting filmmakers during attacks, leading to public letters from over 800 members demanding better solidarity.
• Has any legal action been taken against the shooter?
  Yinon Levi has been placed under house arrest until August 1, as ordered by the Jerusalem Magistrates’ Court.

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