Bethlehem and surroundings-Dec. 2, 04 AMObservers: Chava H., Littal Y. (reporting)6:30 – 9:306:30 –Bethlehm CP 300 – Upon our arrival we are approached by CP commander Nadav, who orders us to stand behind the fence "for our own safety". "No, he hasn't received any particular orders regarding the upcoming Palestinian elections", "And what about the detainees (about 10)" we asked – "they are being dealt with" he answered laconically.Very few cars crossing. Relativley long line of pedestrians (about 40) –checking proceeds slowly. Because of the distance we couldn't measure waiting time but it seemed quite long.We tried crossing to the other side via the pedestrian path and below but were told by Zohar, operations officer, that it was a sterile area, closed for Israeli citizens.When we left a group of about 10 Palestinians were brought – they were caught at Har Homa to be detained and then probably sent back.7:20 – Beit Jallah – School kids and other pedestrians cross unchecked. All cars are checked for passenger ID's – because only one lane is open at a time – waiting is a few minutes.7:40 – El Khader – Taxi drivers tell us that CP at Beit Hanun is closed since the morning and cars cannot enter or leave Hebron. Another Palestinian later told Chava that pedestrians could cross. An army jeep with 2 soldiers check ID's oc passengers in leaving taxis. 2 passengers from Hebron were taken off and their ID's confiscated but were returned and released after a few minutes. We asked the soldiers about Beit Hanun but they seemed to know nothing about it. We called Hagit B. to check if southern group could go there but apparently there are no MachsomWatch shifts today in the area.We crossed to the other side to check if there was army presence near the school, but all was quiet.8:30 – Etzion DCO – the floor has never been so clean. About 20 Palestinians waiting in an orderly line. Police window is closed (Thursday) but other 3 are open and the line goes rather quickly. We saw a couple of people who received a permit but no one approached us so we have no details. When we left we met an Israeli woman (who later told us she once was in MW) who was there to get permits for 2 Palestinians whom she knew from Fukin. Apparently they had permits issued on November 10th that expired the following day of Arafat's death because now "it's Abu Mazen era and all former permits are useless…" She said it took a lot of phone calls, nagging and visits to the DCO to arrange for that.By the way, on the bill board of the DCO there were two military decrees signed by Kapelinsky announcing the return of previously confiscated land. If anyone is interested in following up I have the details.On our way back we noticed the army jeep had left El Khader, but was replaced by a police jeep.