By HAITHAM HAMAD, Associated Press Writer
BETHLEHEM, West Bank - Israel freed up travel into Bethlehem on Christmas Eve and handed out candy to Palestinian and foreign pilgrims at roadblocks, the latest signs of warming Israeli-Palestinian relations since the death of Yasser Arafat.
During more than four years of fighting, Christmas in the traditional birthplace of Jesus has been marked by gloom, military curfews and violence. The town is ringed by Israeli checkpoints and a massive separation barrier.
However, on Friday, troops eased restrictions at roadblocks leading into Bethlehem, allowing Palestinians and foreigners to pass more quickly. Military officials said they expected about 5,000 visitors for the two-day holiday, ans that 280 Palestinians from Gaza came to the city.
Israeli troops also handed security responsibility for Bethlehem to the Palestinian security forces for the duration of Christmas, allowing the Palestinian police to carry their weapons in the city, officials said.
Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah led a procession of about 1,000 Christians through Bethlehem to begin the celebrations. A Palestinian scout group band accompanied them playing bagpipes and clashing cymbals as the crowd slowly marched through the town.
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