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Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 20.12.09, Afternoon

Place: Bethlehem (300) Etzion DCO
Observers: Nava D., Daniella G. (reporting), Maya B.-H. (translating)
Dec-20-2009
| Afternoon

15:15 PM, Etzion DCL: 10cars in the parking area.  In its verycenter stands

a threatening army vehicle, reason unknown.  Inside a man awaits the GSS,

and is let in shortly. Several others are also allowed in, seeking Xmas

permits.  Theloudspeaker finally works (poorly), and the (polite) soldier

tells us there are 10 people inside, which is confirmed byan exiting

Palestinian.  Sincenobody needs us, we leave — and the army vehicle has

already left, too.

 

At the Etzion DCL cars are lined and a blue police car isthere, but by the

time we turn around moments later, it is gone, and all carshave

proceeded.

 

16:00 PM, BethlehemCheckpoint: people passing in bothdirections.  The day

laborers, hurrying back home, pass in less than one minute.

  • 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   .

  • 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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