Bethlehem (300), Fri 24.8.12, Morning

9:00 to 10:30

"To Tel Aviv... to the sea...”! called the bus drivers, as we were entering and exiting. Many passed, whole families, taking advantage of the last day of the special permit to enter Israel given at the end of the Ramadan holiday (14/8-24/8). This is consistent with the reports and pictures we saw this week on the site, depicting hundreds of Palestinians enjoying the beaches of Tel Aviv - Jaffa.

Only two working stations are open but there were no delays. The policemen were polite and smiling.

We did not witness any unusual event; it is almost like a holyday spirit.

Beginning tomorrow many will again present a danger to Israel and will again be trapped in their home zones. ..