IDF SPOKESPERSON AND COORDINATOR OF GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE WEST
BANK AND GAZA STRIP ANNOUNCEMENT December 22, 2004

Easing of restrictions for the Palestinian population in the West Bank
and Gaza Strip in light of the Christmas season

With the arrival of Christmas, the IDF together with the Coordinator of
Government Activities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, are making
preparations in order to provide Christian citizens with the freedom to
perform religious rites so that they can fulfill Christian holiday
duties in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The holidays take place:

* December 24-25 2004, the Catholic Christmas, the Latin Patriarch
enters Bethlehem.
* January 5, 2005, entrance of the Costus as part of the "Festival
of Revelation."
* January 6-7, Orthodox Christmas, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch
enters Bethlehem.
* January 18-19, Armenian Christmas, Armenian Patriarch enters
Bethlehem.

Easing of restrictions in light of Christmas: (between Dec. 24 and Jan.
19)

The West Bank

* Christians are allowed to arrive for prayer ceremonies, for dipping
in the Hajlla, entering Jericho and Bethlehem, as part of granting
freedom of movement for the performance of religious rites.

* Entry access for tourists and Israeli Christian citizens from
Israel to Bethlehem and Jericho, to attend religious ceremonies.

* Entry access for 500 Christian religious figures to Bethlehem
from Israel to attend religious ceremonies.

* Entry access for Israeli and foreign journalists to Bethlehem
for the purpose of covering the preparation for Christmas ceremonies and
the ceremonies themselves.

* Permission for 100 Palestinians with dual citizenship to go
abroad via Ben Gurion Airport.

* Permission for West Bank Christians to enter Bethlehem, with no
restriction on number of people.

* Entry of West Bank Christians into Israel for the purpose of
visiting families and of participating in religious ceremonies will be
accommodated in coordination with their permits.

The Gaza Strip

* Christians are authorized to travel from the Gaza Strip to
Bethlehem, between Dec. 24 and Jan. 19.
* Christians from the Gaza Strip will be allowed, with proper
permits, to enter Israel in order to visit relatives and attand
religious ceremonies.