Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Mon 21.7.08, Morning
06:45 AM Checkpoint 300: A lot of people already outside, waiting to be taken to workplaces. They say that the crossing took two hours and there is crowding at the entrance on the Palestinian side.
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Route 60: Traffic flowing. We drive south to Bene Naim, turn west on the road to Beit Hagai, pass the checkpoint on Liata road and back to Route 60.
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10:30 AM Etzion DCL: More than a hundred people in the waiting room. They say that up to this hour less than ten people have entered. The soldier claims that 15-20 have entered. Everything moves slowly because one computer has crashed, and a technician is working on the repair. People complain bitterly about the crowding, the time, the computers, the government, whatever. Why don’t they acquire more and better computers? Most people need magnetic cards, though some have them but they need renewing. No policeman today. Maher is on leave, a family bereavement, and has no relief before 1.8.08, so they tell us. The men are worried that they will lose their place of employment because they are not receiving magnetic cards, and cannot get permits.
Bethlehem (300)
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Located adjacent to the Separation Wall ("Jerusalem Wrap") at the north entrance to Bethlehem, this checkpoint cuts off Bethlehem and the entire West Bank from East Jerusalem, with all the serious implications for health services, trade, education, work and the fabric of life. The checkpoint is manned by the Border police and private security companies. It is an extensive infrastructure barrier and is designated as a border terminal, open 24 hours a day for foreign tourists. Israeli passport holders are not allowed to pass to Bethlehem, and Palestinian residents are not allowed to enter Jerusalem, except those with entry permits to Israel and East Jerusalem residents. Israeli buses are allowed to travel to Bethlehem only through this checkpoint.The checkpoint, which demonstrated harsh conditions of crowding and extreme passage delays for years, started employing advanced electronic identification posts and has upgraded its gates' system as of the middle of 2019 - and conditions improved.Adjacent to the checkpoint, in an enclosure between high walls and another passage, is the historic Rachel's Tomb, which is now embedded within a concrete fortified building. It contains prayer and study complexes for Jews only, as well as a residential complex. updated November 2019 .
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Etzion DCO
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serves residents of Bethlehem and surrounding villages who need magnetic cards, work permits for Israel, permits for one-time entry for religious or health reasons, various police permits, etc.
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