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Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Mon 10.5.10, Afternoon
Place:
Bethlehem (300)
Etzion DCO
Observers: Shlomit S., Ora A. (reporting).
14:00 pm, Etzion DCL: the Shabak usually summons Palestinians for appointments and compels them to wait for many hours in the waiting hall. Upon our arrival we met two young people in the hall: one had arrived on time for his appointment, 9AM, his documents had been taken and he was waiting since. The other was waiting 'merely' for two hours. We made several phone calls trying to speed up the process. The young man waiting since 9AM was finally called in at 15:00.
A number of Palestinians arrived, requesting new or a renewal of permits. The soldier on duty was nowhere to be found and there was no one to attend to their requests. Following two phone calls the soldier would show up, let in those waiting and then disappear. On the other hand, the police representative –Maher, was there all the time, responding to all his applicants, despite the fact that his formal hours were until 12:00.
15:30 pm, Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300: only three inspection tills were functioning. The passage was speedy but then the pace slowed down with the growing number of workmen on their way back from work. We called and requested to increase the number of inspection tills. Another till was started but had operational difficulties and did not function.
An officer arrived, Abu Rukon, who showed much goodwill and suggested that we apply to him with problems that came up.
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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Etzion DCO
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serves residents of Bethlehem and surrounding villages who need magnetic cards, work permits for Israel, permits for one-time entry for religious or health reasons, various police permits, etc.
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