Palestinian Activist Odeh Hadalin Fatally Shot by Israeli Settler in Umm al-Khair

Odeh Muhammad Hadalin, a well-known activist and educator, tragically lost his life after being shot by an Israeli settler in the village of Umm al-Khair, located in the Masafer Yatta area of the occupied West Bank. Local officials and the Palestinian Authority’s ministry of education have confirmed that he was shot during what they described as an assault on the village by settlers. At just 31 years old, Hadalin was recognized for his efforts against the forced displacement of Palestinian residents in Masafer Yatta and significantly contributed to the creation of "No Other Land," an Oscar-winning film illustrating the severe consequences of Israeli military and settler aggression on his community.

Filmmakers Yuval Abraham and Basel Adra expressed their grief over Hadalin's death, with Adra referring to him as "slaughtered" and emphasizing the ongoing impact of violence on Palestinian lives. According to reports, Hadalin was shot while standing in front of the community center in his village, allegedly by a settler identified as Yinon Levi, known for his extremist views and previously sanctioned by the US government. Israeli authorities stated they are investigating the situation that unfolded near the Carmel settlement adjacent to Umm al-Khair.

Reports indicate that during the incident, Hadalin sustained serious injuries to his upper body and was later pronounced dead at Soroka Hospital. Following the shooting, several individuals, including four Palestinians and two foreign nationals, were detained, and another Palestinian was injured during a confrontation with a settler. The incident is part of a broader narrative of escalating violence against Palestinians in the area, where they have endured systematic demolitions and evictions for years. Local human rights organizations have reported a steep increase in settler aggression, further exacerbating the ongoing tension in the region.