Odeh Hathalin, a prominent Palestinian activist known for his work on the documentary ‘No Other Land’, was tragically shot dead by an Israeli settler in the West Bank, sparking outrage and condemnation.
Palestinian Activist Odeh Hathalin Shot Dead by Israeli Settler
Palestinian activist and community leader Odeh Hathalin (also known as Awdah Hathaleen), who collaborated with directors Basel Adra and Yuval Abraham on the Oscar-winning documentary No Other Land, was tragically shot dead by an Israeli settler in the Occupied West Bank.
Details of the Incident
In a post on X, journalist and documentarian Abraham reported that Hathalin was shot in the chest on Monday by an Israeli settler. The assailant has been identified by local residents as Yinon Levi, a member of a group of Israeli settlers operating in the West Bank, who have faced sanctions from the UK and the EU, while former President Donald Trump lifted restrictions earlier this year.
An Israeli settler just shot Odeh Hadalin in the lungs, a remarkable activist who helped us film No Other Land in Masafer Yatta. Residents identified Yinon Levi, sanctioned by the EU and US, as the shooter. This is him in the video firing like crazy. pic.twitter.com/xH1Uo6L1wN
— Yuval Abraham יובל אברהם (@yuval_abraham) July 28, 2025
The post included footage of Levi brandishing a gun and firing recklessly, although it remains unclear if these images were connected to Hathalin’s death.
Legal Proceedings
Israeli media reported that Levi was arrested by Israeli police on Monday under suspicion of fatally shooting Hathalin but was released to house arrest the following day while investigations continued.
Impact of the Documentary
No Other Land, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary this year, highlights the ongoing cycle of destruction and harassment faced by Bedouin communities in the West Bank, particularly those near the 1949 Green Line.
The future of these communities has been jeopardized since Israel designated much of their land as a live-fire training zone in the 1980s, compounded by the ongoing construction of illegal Israeli settlements like Carmel and Ma’on.
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Remembering Odeh Hathalin
Hathalin, a father of three and an English teacher from the village of Umm Al-Kheir, was known for his support of journalists in the area and his involvement in the filming of No Other Land.
Co-director Adra expressed his grief on X, stating, “I can hardly believe it. My dear friend Awdah was slaughtered this evening. He was standing in front of the community center in his village when a settler fired a bullet that pierced his chest and took his life. This is how Israel erases us — one life at a time.” He attached an image of them together in Rome.
Wider Context of Violence
Hathalin’s murder has occurred amidst escalating violence from settlers across the West Bank, leading to widespread condemnation.
France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed its “immense sadness” regarding Hathalin’s murder, condemning the act in the strongest terms and calling for accountability from Israeli authorities.
“This violence constitutes an act of terrorism. Settlers have killed more than 30 people since the beginning of 2022. Israeli authorities must take responsibility and immediately punish the perpetrators of this violence, which continues with impunity, and protect Palestinian civilians,” the statement added.
