Jerusalem, July 12: Foreign tourists can travel again freely to the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem, which last week reverted to Palestinian control, an Israeli military spokesman said today. For months, tourists who wanted to visit Bethlehem, one of Christianity's holiest places, had to obtain special permission from the Israeli Army, which blockaded the city.
"From now on, tourists can visit Bethlehem freely. But they must not go in private cars. They must take the bus or enter the town on foot," the spokesman told a news agency.
Foreigners with a press card issued by the Israeli government press office, a diplomatic passport or those employed by international organisations such as the red cross are also free to enter Bethlehem, the spokesman added.
On Wednesday the Israeli army transferred control of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, back to Palestinian police, while maintaining a ring of checkpoints around the city.
Bethlehem and its surrounding area was reoccupied by Israel for the first time in April 2002 along with other autonomous towns in the West Bank.

However, what was intended as a pilot project and to have been adopted in other towns in the Palestinian areas, was abandoned.
Bureau Report