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Bethlehem (300)
Place:
Bethlehem (300)
Observers: Clair Oren Translation: Naomi Gal
Bethlehem, 1/4/2016
I never saw so many youngsters passing through the checkpoint. ynow and then there is some pressure but the waiting isn't long. Most of the time 2 windows are open, sometimes 3.
There are many young men and women. They are pass in joyful groups. Occasionally they wait in the checkpoint till their friends arrive and then the security guard demands that they go outside.
Most of the time it was very quiet with no tension.
Two people were not allowed to pass and after checking documents and a few moments wait they are told they are prevented. They ask no questions, do not argue and just walk away.
Many greet one another and smile.
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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