Christmas greetings: Israel

Israel allowed free travel into Bethlehem on Christmas Eve and handed out candy at roadblocks, the latest sign that Israeli-Palestinian relations have warmed since the death of Yasser Arafat.

Israel allowed free travel into Bethlehem on Christmas Eve and handed out candy at roadblocks, the latest sign that Israeli-Palestinian relations have warmed since the death of Yasser Arafat.

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During more than four years of fighting, Christmas in the traditional birthplace of Jesus was marked by gloom, military curfews and violence. The town is ringed by Israeli checkpoints and a massive separation barrier.

However on Christmas Eve, troops allowed pilgrims to pass freely through the roadblocks, and military officials said they expected about 5,000 visitors for the two-day holiday. Israeli troops also handed security responsibility for Bethlehem to the Palestinian security forces for the duration of Christmas, officials said.

At the heavily fortified main crossing from Jerusalem into Bethlehem, an Israel Tourism Ministry sign decorated with bells and a red ribbon read "Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year." It was hung below the army's permanent sign asking visitors in Hebrew, Arabic and English to prepare documents for inspection. "A call to all people of faith: Visit the Holy Land now," declared other Tourism Ministry signs hanging on the concrete slabs near the checkpoint.

Soldiers were instructed to treat visitors to Bethlehem with the utmost respect, said Lt Col Aviv Feigel, head of the Israeli military local liaison office. "We certainly hope that these events are a positive sign for the future," Feigel told Israel Radio.