Bethlehem. Tuesday PM, 24.10.2006 Observers: Ruth O. and Ilana D. (reporting) From 2:00 till 5:15 PM Across the old entrance to El Khadr, East of Hussan a fence has been erected above the dirt track leading to Road 60 in preparation of the enclosed passage. Despite Id El Fitr work is continuing apace. We checked out the vast new construction zones in Beitar Illit. We counted about fifteen cars and pushing and shoving crowds in front of the turnstile at the Etzion DCL, despite the holiday. All were men who had not been early enough (some arrive at 3:00 AM in the morning) to receive a number in the morning and were hoping that new numbers for magnetic cards would still be issued. They were told to return in the morning and Ruth made a list of all those waiting and submitted it to Ro’i who promised to be therein the morning and deal with them first. Those waiting were sure he would throw away the list and some stayed on in the hope to be able to achieve something without a number. Ro’i agreed to give a handicapped man a number at the gate in the back and upon return he was able to squeeze through the turnstile with his brother who helped him move. Forms were completed for some of the men who had been refused on security grounds. One had been in prison 13 years ago when he was sixteen years old for stone throwing. He is now married with a son and desperate to work. His cousin had killed someone apparently and he realized that his chances were slim. A merchant with a valid permit had been stopped at the tunnel CP ten days ago when there was a curfew. His permit had been confiscated and he cannot move.He had been told to apply to the court for confirmation of the ‘loss’ of his permit. We would investigate whether to file a complaint. A couple, married for ten years, asked us re family unification. It was almost empty at Nashash and the vendors were closing shop. A young driver who had allowed too many passengers on board asked whether Haya would be able to help him. He was told to call her. At the Rachel Terminal the passage appeared smooth despite relatively large crowds.