Bethlehem (300)
Bethlehem
06:30 the situation today is much better than what we saw on previous Sundays. People report about a quick and easy passage of about half an hour.
We meet two Ecumenical women who tell us that this is the situation for a few days now.
The hall is full of people and checking is carried out in seven (!) windows all at once. The Ecumenical tell us that contrary to the norm (!) on the Palestinian side three metal detectors are operating today. These two things speed up the passage. As the saying goes: There is another way! The hall is completely empty by 06: 55.
Note: The Humanitarian Lane did not work today, nor in the weeks and perhaps the last few months. However, there is an Exit Line that probably does the same thing.
We need to find out what is the difference, perhaps this lane is open on and off when needed? The Humanitarian Lane causes lots of friction when there is pressure and the workers are using it and pushing aside those entitled to use it.
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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