31.   Israel announced Thursday that it will allow Christian pilgrims to enter Bethlehem, easing an almost uninterrupted blockade of the Palestinian city which has lasted over six weeks.

32.   Jews going to the Western Wall to greet the holiday mixed with Christian pilgrims and Muslims on the way to Friday noon prayers.

33.   Mathes said the Christians would probably agree to the construction of the mosque so as to calm the tensions in the city before Christian pilgrims begin coming.

34.   Most Christian pilgrims are baptized at specific points along the Sea of Galilee or the Jordan River.

35.   Several important sites for Christian pilgrims, including Bethlehem, are under the authority.

36.   Snapping pictures, Christian pilgrims take in the scene from behind a low barrier a few feet away.

37.   The Israeli army blocked a dozen tour buses outside Bethlehem carrying Christian pilgrims from Italy until Defense Minister Yitzchak Mordechai granted them permission to enter, army radio said.

38.   The Israeli army said Christian pilgrims could enter freely, but warned that the town could be sealed off in the event of clashes.

39.   The plaza was to accommodate the huge numbers of Christian pilgrims expected in the Holy Land during the Millennium year.

40.   The town has since become a center of attraction for Christian pilgrims.