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Bethlehem (300)

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Observers: Clair Oren
Feb-27-2015
| Morning

 

 

9:50 to 11:15

 

Many Palestinians, men, women and children are passing.

 

Most of the time 4 and even 5 windows are open and one can pass without standing inline for too long. But obviously, the way from the entrance of the checkpoint on the Palestinian side to the exit takes by far too long. People do not complain. Some smile, others swallow a curse, most are in a rush to the bus.

 

The soldiers at the windows are quiet.

 

But the security guard is vocal and demonstrates his hatred and disgust while talking to a tourist guide who waits for his group to return from Bethlehem. 

 

I didn't see any one who was prevented from passing this morning. 

  • 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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