No Israeli-Palestinian violence is reported. (PCHR 7/26; OCHA 7/27)
The Israeli DM files a petition with Israel’s High Court to allow the demolition of 12 small bedouin enclaves (200 families, 1,500 individuals) in Area C in the Hebron Hills so the area (known as Firing Zone 918) may be used for military purposes; those evicted would be relocated to Yatta village in Area B. Israeli forces expelled some 700 Palestinians from the enclaves in 1999 and demolished their structures and wells, but the families sued the government in 2000 and were granted permission to return to the area until the case was resolved. After 5 yrs. of mediation, the sides declared an impasse in 2005. The government decided to take action now after noticing (according to the filing) ‘‘an increasing trend of augmenting and strengthening the population on the C Grounds.’’ (NYT 7/24; WT 7/25)