Israeli soldiers raid Oscar winner Basel Adra’s home after settler assault

On Saturday, September 12, 2025, in the occupied West Bank, the home of Oscar-winning filmmaker Basel Adra was raided by soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The raid was conducted after Adra and his family members were attacked by Israeli settlers from the Havat Ma’ón outpost. During the confrontation, which occurred in Adra's village of At-Tuwani, his brothers and a foreign activist were injured. Reports indicate that during the raid, the soldiers searched for Adra and examined his wife's phone while his infant daughter was present in the home. Adra was unable to return home due to fears of being detained and the presence of soldiers blocking village access. The reason behind the military's presence in the area was reportedly linked to reports of rocks being thrown at Israeli civilians, which resulted in injuries. However, Adra refuted these claims, asserting that his group did not throw stones and was merely confronted by trespassing settlers. Previous incidents involving settlers attacking Palestinians and the military subsequently raiding homes have raised concerns about the accountability of Israeli forces in protecting Palestinians. The legal status of settlements in the West Bank remains highly controversial and is seen as an obstacle to peace efforts in the region. Adra's film, "No Other Land," highlights the efforts of residents in the Masafer Yatta area to resist home demolitions by the Israeli military. Following the film’s Oscar win, Adra and his colleagues have experienced increased hostility from settlers. A previous incident in March involved Adra's co-director Hamdan Ballal being assaulted by settlers, further illustrating the dangers faced by individuals documenting the ongoing conflict. Despite international pressures and legal complications surrounding the situation, settler violence against Palestinians has escalated, with numerous reports indicating a rise in attacks on communities like At-Tuwani. The conflict continues to draw global scrutiny, especially amid heightened military operations and rising tensions in the region since the film's release. The events of September 12 further underscore the volatile situation faced by Palestinians living under occupation, who regularly encounter violence and intimidation within their own communities.