West Bank, Mar 26 (V7N) – Oscar-winning Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal has been released by Israel under intense global pressure, following his brutal detention and torture, reported Al Jazeera and the AP news agency.

Hamdan, known for his acclaimed documentary "No Other Land", which sheds light on the oppression of Palestinians under Israeli occupation, was detained by Israeli forces and reportedly subjected to handcuffing, beatings, and inhumane conditions. Jubal Abraham, a colleague of Hamdan, shared on social media that the director was beaten throughout the night at a military base, but has now been freed and is returning to his family.

According to the AP, the journalists who witnessed Hamdan’s release from an Israeli police station in the occupied West Bank reported seeing bruises on his face and blood stains on his clothes.

Hamdan himself recounted the harrowing details of his detention, revealing that he was held at a military base and forced to endure cold conditions while being subjected to physical and emotional abuse. In an emotional statement after his release, Hamdan said:

"They tortured me because I showed the world the suffering of my people. I exposed the reality of the occupation, and this is the punishment for speaking out," he claimed.

Hamdan’s documentary "No Other Land", which highlights the brutal realities faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation, garnered significant international attention and earned him an Oscar. However, after the award, the director faced numerous threats and attacks. His ordeal in Israeli custody follows an intensified crackdown on activists and filmmakers who speak out against the occupation.

The international community has condemned the Israeli government's actions. Human rights groups and film industry figures have rallied around Hamdan, calling for an end to the harassment of those who shed light on Palestinian suffering.

Despite facing immense challenges, Hamdan’s courage in telling the story of his people has cemented his status as a symbol of resistance and a voice for the oppressed Palestinians.

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