Bethlehem (300)
04:45 to 8:00
They told us that at the entrance to the Palestinian side of the checkpoint that there is a very long queue but it’s progressing reasonably (is there anything reasonable at the checkpoints?) After entering, the Palestinians begin a “crazy” rush across the field and to the lanes that lead to the magnetometers checks. All three worked.
On the Israeli side, we saw long lines and the passage took about 45 minutes to an hour, from the magnetometers to the exit. At about 06:00 I heard “noises” from the Palestinian side, but the passers claimed that it was an argument between drivers. Maybe, maybe not – it is difficult to know.
I asked my acquaintances if there is a change in the conduct of the checkpoint now, during Ramadan days, comparing to normal times, and was told that it’s more difficult now, since many arrive late on account of their breakfast before the fast begins.
Nothing really changed since we started our days at the Bethlehem Checkpoint (300) many years ago – years of occupation had instilled some “order” and it seems that everyone had already “internalized” it. One day the occupation will end, but the checkpoints and their exploits will not be easily forgotten.
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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