Greek Orthodox monks are allowing Palestinians into their monastery, but not onto its upper floors.

Rice persuaded a reluctant Israel to allow Israeli Palestinians in East Jerusalem to vote in the Palestinian Authority elections.

"You can't allow armed Palestinians running inside the village while your forces are inside," the commander said.

That allowed Palestinians to claim, to a generally sympathetic international audience, that they had been reoccupied, though Israel again said it was legitimately protecting its people.

The motive was simple and comparatively cost-free: if the Lebanese villagers allowed armed Palestinians to take shelter among their homes, then they would be made to pay for it in blood.

The Israeli Army would then begin withdrawing from major West Bank cities, allowing Palestinians to organize national elections for an administrative council.

While Egypt allowed Palestinians to enter Egypt, it did not let them travel very far; Palestinians were not allowed to travel further than Arish.

Jordanian officials said Israel appeared reluctant to allow Palestinians in the diaspora to return to their homes in the occupied territories or Israel.

There is also the question of whether Israel will allow Palestinians in East Jerusalem to vote, as they did in the only previous Palestinian national election, in 1996.

The ruling should come into effect five months after being issued, allowing Palestinians to use the road.