Tony Blair’s visit to Masafer Yatta in 2009 led to the cancellation of a demolition order for a school rebuilt by Palestinians in defiance of Israeli efforts to tear it down. This story is told in the documentary “No Other Land,” which won an Oscar last week. The film, directed by Basel Adra and co-directed by Yuval Abraham, explores the power dynamics between Israelis and Palestinians.
In 1999, Israel designated part of Masafer Yatta as a firing zone, leading to two decades of court battles that ended in 2022 when the supreme court ruled that villagers could be expelled. The documentary examines this history and its impact on Palestinian lives.
Critics have labeled “No Other Land” as antisemitic, with some claiming it is Israeli propaganda. However, others argue that such claims are a form of bigotry aimed at silencing pro-Palestinian voices.
The film highlights the power imbalance between Israelis and Palestinians, with soldiers confiscating vehicles, pouring concrete into wells, and cutting water pipes to force villagers to accept defeat. The Oscar win has sparked debate about whether the documentary promotes a simplistic “black and white” narrative or takes a principled stance on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The significance of “No Other Land” lies not only in its exposure of Palestinian lives but also in its portrayal of how solidarity can be forged between Israelis and Palestinians. As Kenan Malik notes, recognizing the rights and dignities of both Jews and Palestinians is essential for a shared land to survive.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/mar/09/no-other-land-film-shared-palestine-solidarity