Bethlehem and surroundingsWednesday, AM 26.1.05Observers: Rachel F., Nora B. (reporting)7:00 – Bethlehem CP 300 – simultaneous check of vehicles from both directions. No queue of pedestrians. About 12 detainees behind the Tantur fence. Soldiers tell us they wait for the GSS officer for investigation, it seems an incident has taken place in the area (all the magical words together!). This time we were allowed to get near the checkpoint.7:40 – Al Khadr – No army or police. Many taxis. 7:45 – El Arub – no checkpoint7:50 – Etzion checkpoint – routine soldiers check of vehicles .7:55 Etzion DCO – less than 10 people waiting. No police reception hours until 30.1 (as stated in previous reports). This information is posted also in Arabic. At 8:05 the magnetic card window opens and it seems to work smoothly.8:30 – Bethlehem CP 300 – more detainees than previously (it is not clear if the same ones as before + additional, or new ones, since we are not allowed to approach them). According to soldiers, they are still checking their ID cards.