The Struggle for Masafer Yatta: A Story of Displacement and Resistance
About 1,000 Palestinians live in Masafer Yatta, a collection of small villages nestled on the rocky hills of the southern West Bank. For two decades, they have been locked in a legal battle with the Israeli government, which claims the area is a military training zone and that the Palestinians are squatters. Despite their efforts to prove their ownership of the land, a 2022 ruling by the Israeli Supreme Court sided with the government, leaving the community under constant threat of eviction. Today, their lives are a harrowing game of survival—forced to hide in caves and document their own displacement as bulldozers and tanks threaten their homes. For many, especially the younger generation, this story embodies the essence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: a relentless struggle against powerlessness and dispossession.
A Glimpse into the Conflict: The Film No Other Land
The film No Other Land, a frontrunner for an Oscar, offers an intimate look at the lives of the people of Masafer Yatta. It captures the daily violence and resilience of a community fighting to hold on to their land, their schools, and even their water wells. The film follows Basel Adra, a young Palestinian whose life has been shaped by the struggle for survival. Basel’s first memory is of his father being arrested at the age of five, and his life since then has been defined by the collective fight of his community. Over four years, from 2019 to 2023, Basel documents the slow dismantling of his home, building by building, in a desperate bid to draw attention to their plight.
An Unlikely Friendship: Basel and Yuval
The film also introduces Yuval Abraham, an Israeli activist and journalist who arrives in Masafer Yatta to report on the situation. What begins as a professional encounter evolves into a deep and complex friendship between two men from opposite sides of the conflict. Yuval, who speaks fluent Arabic, approaches Basel and his community on their terms, while Basel remains guarded but gradually opens up. The two defy stereotypes—they are not symbols of their respective peoples but flawed, multidimensional individuals. Yuval is not a performative ally, nor is Basel a helpless victim. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to documenting the truth.
Navigating Power Dynamics and Vulnerability
The power imbalance between Basel and Yuval is never far from the surface. Yuval can leave the conflict behind when he chooses, while Basel cannot. Yet, over time, their friendship deepens, revealing moments of vulnerability and honesty. In one tense scene, Basel confronts Yuval about his impatience, reminding him that patience is a virtue he still needs to learn. “Get used to failing,” Basel tells him. “You’re a loser.” Yuval, though frustrated, remains committed, showing up even when progress seems impossible. Their bond is hard-won, forged through years of trust-building and shared struggles.
The Broader Conflict and Its Simplifications
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is often reduced to simplistic labels—genocide, apartheid, anti-Semitism, or barbarism. No Other Land challenges these reductive narratives by presenting a nuanced portrait of life on the ground. The film does not shy away from the brutality of the occupation, but it also avoids slogans and jargon. Instead, it focuses on the human experiences of those caught in the crossfire. Yuval and Basel’s friendship is a testament to the possibility of connection, even in the face of overwhelming inequality. The film’s refusal to simplify the conflict has made it a target for criticism—despite international acclaim, it struggled to find a distributor in the U.S., and Yuval has faced death threats for his involvement.
A Glimmer of Hope in a Bleak Reality
Despite the unrelenting misery of Masafer Yatta, No Other Land offers a glimmer of hope. Basel and Yuval’s friendship, though fragile, shows that connection is possible even in the most divided of circumstances. Near the end of the film, Basel wonders aloud about the future, imagining a day when stability might allow him to visit Yuval in Israel. “Maybe,” Yuval replies with a smile. Their exchange is tinged with skepticism but also a quiet optimism. As Basel later reflects, “I hope we’ll change this bad reality.” In a conflict that often feels intractable, their story is a reminder that neither side is going anywhere—and that change, though slow and difficult, may yet be possible.