Back to reports search page

Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Wed 12.12.07, Morning

Place: Bethlehem (300) Etzion DCO
Tags: Hitches at checkpoints Slow passage
Observers: E only with Y driving
Dec-12-2007
| Morning
 
  
Bethlehem – 6:40 am
Six stations open for checking.  There are very few people in the different lines, which gave the impression that most had passed through.  However, two Ecumenical observers came up to the CP from Bethlehem, and tell us that there are yet many, many people waiting to enter, although the CP opened at 5:00 am.  They tell us the difficulty is that the metal detectors are working very slowly.
Al Nashash – 7:15 am
One man approaches us to ask if there has been any progress in solving his problem with being prevented by the Shabak from receiving a magnetic card.
Nebi Yunis – 8:00 am
A 40 year old Palestinian man comes by appointment to sign a power of attorney for help with a police report.
DCO – 8:40 am
The office is open and receiving people, although those seeking help with police matters must wait until 11:00 am, according to a posted sign.  A 35 year old woman from Bethlehem tells us that she works in a hospital in east Jerusalem and seeks a renewal of her permit.  She went to Bet El, and was sent here.  Now she is told to return to Bet El.  We get the attention of the soldier who now asks her where she lives and what her occupation is.  When he learns that she is a nurse, he invites her in, and in a short time she receives her permit.

__._,_.___

  • Bethlehem (300)

    See all reports for this place
    • 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   .

  • Etzion DCO

    See all reports for this place
    •   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.
Donate