On 2 March, the film “No Other Land” was awarded the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the Academy Awards, an event that saw its creators deliver a poignant commentary on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The film documents the struggles of Palestinian activists in the West Bank who are fighting to protect their communities from demolition by Israeli military forces.

During the acceptance speech, Palestinian journalist Basel Adra, who co-directed the film, passionately articulated the dire situation faced by Palestinians. He has been vocal about the impact of current foreign policies on peace efforts in the region. As he stood alongside Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, Adra expressed the hope that his two-month-old daughter would not have to live under the same harsh conditions that he has endured. “Two months ago I became a father, and my hope to my daughter is that she will not have to live the same life I’m living now,” he said. Adra called for the world to take serious actions to curb what he described as the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.

The acceptance speech took a turn when Adra critiqued former US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine. He highlighted how such policies block the path to peace and noted that the current regime contributes to the grievances faced by Palestinians. During this part of his speech, Adra faced heckling from the audience, as a voice in the crowd shouted, “get rid of Hamas,” highlighting the charged atmosphere surrounding discussions on Middle Eastern politics.

Yuval Abraham reinforced Adra’s sentiments by reflecting on the inequality between their two realities. Speaking directly to the audience, he remarked, “When I look at Basel, I see my brother. But we are unequal. We live in a regime where I am free under civilian law, and Basel is under military law that destroys his life.” He laid out a vision for a political solution that acknowledges the national rights of both peoples, stating, “Can’t you see that we are intertwined, that my people can be truly safe if Basel’s people are truly free?”

The backdrop of their speeches lies in the stark reality that has unfolded in Gaza, where over 40,000 people have reportedly died since Israel escalated its military operations following the Hamas attack on 7 October. The film is set against this backdrop of violence and suffering, depicting the resilience of those affected.

Despite the critical acclaim for “No Other Land,” including the Oscar win, the film faces challenges in reaching wider audiences, having so far failed to secure a distribution deal in America. The ongoing conflict and the polarising nature of the Israel-Palestine crisis continue to present obstacles for films that aim to shed light on these issues.

In a provocative remark made earlier this year, Trump expressed ambitions to transform Gaza into a luxurious destination akin to the Riviera, suggesting that such development could alleviate some of the hardships endured by its residents. However, this proposal has drawn criticism, with detractors viewing it as a plan that could displace and marginalise the existing Palestinian population.

The events at the Academy Awards highlighted the multifaceted nature of the Israel-Palestine conflict and the intense emotions it evokes, illustrating that the struggles portrayed in “No Other Land” resonate deeply not just within the region, but also in global discourse around human rights and social justice.

Source: Noah Wire Services