Bethlehem

Thrus. Nov. 27, 03

Gush ETzion, El Khader

M., N., H. and guest from the US

Gush Etzion--traffic was flowing smoothly and even buses were
checked very

quickly and allowed to pass with no trouble. Just one thing, as the
cars

passed the checkpoint, there was a soldier standing and pointing
his gun at

the cars as their papers were being checked. Still, there was a
cold but

efficient atmosphere and we did not interfere.

El Khader--there were many people wandering around and getting on
and off

buses and there was not a soldier insight. The Palestinians who
greeted us

with friendliness said that there were no soldiers there because of
the

holiday. We were also told by the taxi drivers that traffic was
smooth in Waadi Naar.