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Bethlehem (300), Tue 19.2.13, Morning
Place:
Bethlehem (300)
Observers: Rachel M., Drora P. (Reporting)
Naomi Gal translating
Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300:today we are early. There are not many vehicles waiting and the reason is that the cars with the workers had already left. Five stations are working inside. Everything is done calmly, and people come out smiling.
At seven the line was over and some of the windows were closed.
A woman approached us about a problem her brother has with the General Security Service. She did not go into details, but said that she did apply to Sylvia by fax, the usual way. She is expecting an answer. We advised her how to proceed and find out what the problem is. We promised her that we will follow up to make sure that there is a communication between her and Sylvia.
Bethlehem (300)
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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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