Bethlehem (300), Tue 29.5.12, Morning
06:40 am, Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300 (Rachel Crossing):
almost no vehicles; two buses waiting for workers.
Mutual greetings and smiles.
It was pleasant to observe the easy hastening to a day of labour.
The parking lot was closed at both ends, we don't know why.
We met a young man waiting to exit, and to our inquiry were told that his ID had been appropriated. I asked the female soldier for the reason and was told that inquiries were being made. Before long the young man's ID was returned and he could leave for work.
At ten minutes to seven there was a massive influx of people from the inspection room in the direction of the exits. These were merchants who can enter Israel from seven o'clock. Together with them a group went through the humanitarian crossing. The exit was relaxed, with right of way for women and children.
We left at 7:15.
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 .
-