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Bethlehem (300)

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Observers: Clair Oren Translation: Naomi Gal 
Nov-18-2016
| Morning

The entrance for vehicles is blocked as is the access to the parking lot, including a large fence that blocks the left turn before the checkpoint. 

When I asked they said there are road expansion works being done inside Bethlehem. The road will be closed for another week. Judging from my last quick visit to Bethlehem, there is no doubt that the expansion of the road is badly needed. I hope it will be for the benefit of the residents… 

2 windows are open; relatively just a few people pass more tourist groups than Palestinian. I didn’t see anyone prevented from entering Jerusalem. 

There are no officers, the soldiers are very quiet. Occupation’s routine… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 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   .
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