Al Nashshash, Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Wed 26.3.08, Morning
06.30 Bethlehem CP: There is a big crush outside and long queues inside. We are told that on the Bethlehem side large numbers of people are waiting and there is much crowding. The soldiers in the checking booths are chatting on their mobile phones while they check peoples’ documents. Civilian security personnel are circulating in the crowd, and are in strict control. Their behavior towards the Palestinians is often worse than the soldiers’. It appears that they are not subject to any rules of behavior and no-one is in control of them.
We must find a way to complain about the functioning of the privatized security function.
07.15 El Nashash: Two people ask for help with police-related problems. A Palestinian passes us a power of attorney for his lawyer.
08.45 Etzion DCL :The hall is empty. Two young men, summoned by the special security services are waiting outside. Their documents were taken from them and now they will have to wait for hours to have them returned. A letter we wrote a long time ago complaining about this forced waiting has yet to be answered.
A-Nashshash
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A-Nashshash
Junction on Road 60 from leading to the southern outskirts of al-Khader, to Salomon pools and to Bethlehem. Until 2015, a blockade at the junction prevented the passage of vehicles from the south (from Hebron) to Bethlehem and from there to the north of the West Bank and vice versa, and a small market developed at the junction, with taxis serving both directions on two sides of the blockage. Until 2015, Members of MachsomWatch police reports team would come to the scene to receive and return traffic violations reports for payment (possible only in Israel).- from Palestinians without a entrance permit to Israel. There is usually no military or police supervision i n place.
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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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