Israeli soldiers block journalists from exposing settler violence in West Bank

In the West Bank, journalists were prevented from entering Palestinian villages during a media tour organized by the directors of the Oscar-winning documentary 'No Other Land' on June 2, 2025. This event aimed to bring attention to increasing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian residents in the region. The tour was intended to allow journalists to interview local residents about their experiences and the impact of the violence. However, an Israeli soldier informed the international journalists that access to the area was restricted due to a military order, blocking access to certain villages. Basel Adra, a Palestinian co-director of the documentary and a resident of the area, expressed concerns over the restrictions, stating that the military does not want journalists to witness or report on the realities faced by Palestinian residents. Adra indicated that, after some negotiation, journalists were allowed into one village but faced denial of entry to Tuwani and Khallet A-Daba, two areas critical for their planned coverage. This blockade underlines the ongoing struggles of Palestinians as they contend with escalating violence and threats of expulsion. Palestinian residents have reported rising instances of violence from settlers, especially since the outbreak of the conflict in October 2023. This continues a long pattern of tensions and confrontations in the region, and the Israeli military has been known to demolish Palestinian homes and properties under military claims of land usage or training zones. Adra mentioned that settlers had recently invaded Khallet A-Daba, destroying residents' belongings and taking over shelters, which emphasizes the persistent threat of displacement faced by the local community. The filmmakers of 'No Other Land' aim to shed light on these issues through their work, capturing the resilience of Palestinian communities against ongoing oppression. Their documentary chronicles the struggle of residents in the face of military actions and settler encroachments, trying to halt demolitions of their villages and secure their land rights. 'No Other Land' has garnered international recognition and awards, underscoring the importance of telling these stories and the need for global awareness of the situation in the West Bank.