Morning

Bethlehem checkpoint - fairly quiet, about a dozen people standing in the queue andfew cars passing from and into Beit Lehehm. One of the two border Policesoldiers, Dani (the Ethiopian soldier), did not let us come close. There was anotherone who was better disposed towards us. There were two reservists there too, whowere very sympathetic and curious about us. There was little movementthrough Tantur. El-Khadr - since there is closure in Bethlehem, people without blue IDs or permits were not allowed to pass. Among those who were not allowed to pass to Bethlehem was a group of 4 elderly people who needed to go to Bethlehem to get a vaccination before they go to the pilgrimage to Mecca (they said they have to fly to Saudi on Sunday). Despite our appeals on their behalf they were not allowed to cross. One of the soldiers told us that the day before yesterday there were two hidden bombs that were blown up by remote control at the checkpoint, but no one was hurt. The soldiers were polite and non-aggressive.