Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Tue 13.11.07, Morning

06:30, Bethlehem CP. Once again the checking area on our side was almost empty, passage was swift, four checking posts were open, soldiers efficient. The hell was, as usual, on the other side, unseen by us. Palestinians reported that the CP opened at 05:25 (25 minutes late). The crowding at the entrance to the CP was horrible. Ecumenical Accompaniers posted over there added that the entrance would close time and again, apparently, in order to keep the Israeli side quiet and orderly, and that the checking was slow.

Also, soon it is going to rain – the line in front the entrance to the CP is not roofed. People get there as early as 03:00 and before, just to be close to the head of the line, meaning that thousands of people will have to spend hours under the rain with no shelter above their heads.

08:15, Ezyon DCL. Few people. A major inspecting that all was in order, told us that there was no age limitation for magnetic cards.