Paris: France condemned an attack by Israeli settlers on Oscar-winning Palestinian director Hamdan Ballal in the occupied West Bank.

According to Anadolu Agency, the French Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Tuesday expressing concern over the increasing violence perpetrated by extremist settlers against Palestinians across the West Bank, with particular reference to incidents in Masafer Yatta and Susya. The ministry's statement specifically addressed the attack on Ballal, emphasizing the need for Israeli authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and to ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians.

The ministry highlighted that Ballal's documentary, No Other Land, which was honored with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs' Prize for Courage in Journalism, reflects the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians. The film, which portrays the impact of Israel's demolition and displacement policies in Masafer Yatta, received an Oscar for Best Documentary this year.

In addition to condemning the violent attacks, the French Foreign Ministry reiterated that Israeli settlement activities are in violation of international law. It also noted that the International Court of Justice has imposed sanctions on what it termed as 'extremist settlers.'

Ballal sustained injuries during the attack, which occurred when Israeli settlers seized land and assaulted residents in his home village of Susya.