Bethlehem (300), Mon 11.2.13, Morning
Translation: Yael Bassis-Student
Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300, 6:45 AM:
as we arrive on site, people are pouring out as if they weren't inspected.
Inside, the area in front of the inspection posts is dense with people. Six posts are operating. At the last one, away from the exit door, stands a person who checks out passage permits while men streams out like a river. The other five posts operate as usual.
Until 07:10 all went through. We asked L.: " How come, unlike other days, there are so many people who want to cross over? Are the soldiers late this morning?"
The answer was negative, No! Despite it all – there were many more people who went through this checkpoint this morning.
We asked for the exact numbers and again the answer was – No !!
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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