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Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Mon 27.4.09, Afternoon

Observers: Shlomit S., Yael S. (reporting)
Apr-27-2009
| Afternoon

  Etzion DCL:  on the way I received a phone call from an acquaintance to say that his bus, together with others, could not exit Bethlehem: a phone call to the Centre, opened another entry/exit and there was no further call.
Recently I have been getting calls from checkpoints about delays, etc.At the DCL, there were two and a half people – with two waiting for Shabak and others waiting for people being interrogated by Shabak.

A woman needing a medical permit arrived and said that this morning they sent her to Bethlehem for Palestinian coordination. They signed her papers and sent her back to the Israeli DCL.  She left after quarter of an hour with the requisite permits.

More permits for holders of Palestinian IDs living on the wrong side of the fence (Greater Jerusalem), and who need permits to live in their own homes – nervous because “it’s already two weeks since we submitted the request.”

Today is the festival of Nebi Shua. The officers responding on the phone promised to make an effort that the Palestinians get their permits.

And another Nazareth woman told us that her husband is from the West Bank, and they have problems at the Jordan Valley checkpoints on the way – and she gave us candies.

  

  • 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   .
  • Etzion DCO

    See all reports for this place
    •   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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