RAMALLAH, West Bank — Even as Israel threatens to demolish the Bedouin community of Khan al-Ahmar in eastern Jerusalem, the Palestinian Cabinet has recommended formation of a local council there to represent the needs of its 200 residents.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) wants to create the council to protect Khan al-Ahmar, which on July 4 had to thwart the Israeli army’s attempts to demolish the residents' tents and huts, drawing Arab and international attention to their village. The United Nations and the European Union have called on Israel to halt demolition, noting that Israel's settlement protocol is considered illegal under international law.