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Bethlehem (300)

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Tags: Transfer Permits to Israel
Observers: Clair Oren, Translation: Naomi Gal
Apr-24-2015
| Morning

Bethlehem  

 

 

09:15 to 11:00

Two windows are open; later on they opened two more. A lot of people are passing but at least three were rejected. Their documents were taken from them and they were ordered to wait. After a good while each one of them was told that he is prevented from entering Israel.

The security guard did not know Machsomwatch and was furious when I asked why people wait so long. When the senior police officer who knows us came out the guard realized he had no case and relaxed.

An ecumenical volunteer was present.

Despite the wait, many people, especially women, came out greeting, smiling and thanking MW for its presence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                        

  • 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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