Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 10.8.08, Morning
07:00 AM, Bethlehem Checkpoint: The Israeli side is almost empty, though it is difficult to know according to the new policy whether most of the people have already passed, or whether most are still held up on the Palestinian side and only dribbled through.
Since the ecumenicals are on holiday, we have no exact data about what is happening on the other side.
People who passed say that today is good, but Tuesday and Wednesday were hell. Five stations were open on the Israeli side when we arrived, and after quarter of an hour one closed. We left close to 08:00.
08:00 AM, Etzion DCL: It appears that people get used very quickly to the new method at the DCL, according to which to reception is by villages, each day having its own villages. The DCL opens at 08:00, and from what we see (we arrive early this time), people did not come from villages that aren’t on the Sunday rota. However, reception is quite full, though the line is flowing nicely. Optimistic day
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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