Bethlehem, Thu 8.1.09, Morning

5:30 -7:00 AM, Bethlehem - Rachel Crossing:  at5:50  AM - four checking posts are open. It seems that the checking opened on time, since there are already people outside. There are no long queues. It is our impression that during the last weeks, much less people than in the past cross through this terminal.

Towards 7:00 AM the terminal at the Israeli side is empty. We are told by phone by the Ecumenical volunteer, that on the Palestinian side, about 150 people are waiting.