Bethlehem (300)
9:00 – 11:00
Last Friday of Ramadan
Today as well the access road to the checkpoint is closed. The soldier standing next to the blockage wanted to prevent my passing. He had not heard about MW. After long minutes, when he finally consulted his superiors, he let me go, even with the car!
Few people passed today. I thought many will come towards the end of Ramadan, but what happened yesterday at Kalandia Checkpoint (a tough clash with soldiers, there were wounded and killed) and what is happening in the West Bank in general probably deter people.
Two windows were open, three border policemen and a security guard from the civilian security company. They were quite bored and wanted to talk and figure out what I was doing there. So we talked. We didn’t make much progress but it was a civilized conversation, which is not that usual nowadays. Beyond the horrible situation and the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, it is fascinating to explore the language used by supporters of practicing force to justify their actions and continue telling themselves the story that’s convenient for them. Until they throw Jehovah’s name into the fray and then of course even a translator can’t help.
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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