Palestinian director Basel Adra condemns worsening conditions at UN

In early April 2025, Palestinian director Basel Adra addressed the UN Committee on the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People during a screening of his award-winning documentary 'No Other Land.' This film highlights the forced displacement of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta, an area Israel designated as a restricted military zone since the 1980s. Adra emphasized that despite the recognition received through an Oscar win earlier in the year for the documentary, the living conditions for Palestinians have declined further. He reported on the ongoing brutal occupation characterized by frequent attacks on Palestinian communities by Israeli settlers. Recent developments include a ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court that allowed the expulsion of residents from multiple villages in the area, exacerbating an already tense situation that has seen an increase in violence since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Adra's co-director experienced violence from Israeli settlers for their Oscar recognition, shedding light on the challenges faced by those who speak out about these issues. His remarks contribute to a growing documentation of Palestinians' struggles and violent encounters, particularly as rights groups report a spike in aggression against Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict. Adra's efforts reveal the reality faced by many Palestinians, calling for the global community to acknowledge their existence and plight despite the challenges in distributing and promoting their narratives, especially in the United States.