Al Khadr, Bethlehem (300) Monday morning, 24 May 2004 Watchers: Amy K., Yael B. (reporting) The junction at Al Khadr was empty and the soldiers told us that there is a closure in effect till Saturday because there are security alerts. The few people who tried to cross the checkpoint, were not allowed to pass — only doctors, nurses and “humanitarian” cases [i.e. for health care and other urgent situations]. Suddenly we see a tear gas cloud in the direction of Al Khadr. It was probably meant to clear the area from the people coming in that direction. After that people are allowed to cross, if they have a permit, but they have to lift their shirts [to show they’re not concealing anything].There is a closure in effect at the Bethlehem checkpoint. No detainees. Many Border Police soldiers, but the atmosphere is calm. A soldier says that only humanitarian cases can go through to Jerusalem, but we see students as well.