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Bethlehem (300)

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Tags: Transfer Permits to Israel
Observers: Rachel M. Drora P. (reporting) Translation: Naomi Gal
Apr-29-2014
| Morning

Good morning.. everything is relaxed. Passage is sparse. 4 windows are open and shortly some of them close. 

We met one of the Ecumenical who observes the Palestinian side of the checkpoint. She said about 3,500 people had passed. We knew these past months that about 6,000 people pass. It could have been an error – by the Ecumenical or the information received in the past. 

Behind the windows next to the wall about 10 people stood waiting to enter Israel. The security guard told us that these people have permits to cross but only after 8 o'clock. The computer doesn't allow them to pass when they arrive before eight. Despite this explanation, while we were talking the people were given permission to pass although the time was 7:45. The intention behind passing people by hours is to have control on the number of the people passing, but if there are no people waiting at the checkpoint why delay those who are registered for 8?

  • 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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