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Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 20.3.11, Afternoon

Observers: Watchers: Daniella G., Maya B.-H. (reporting)
Mar-20-2011
| Afternoon

 Etzion, 3:15 pm:  we called ahead to find out if the DCL is open. Indeed it is. But of course, there's a curfew on for the Purim holiday. So there was not a soul in sight in the waiting room. But there were 2 soldiers behind the armored glass window. We called out to them "Happy Purim". Lo and behold — they greeted us back! So we found out something valuable: When they want to hear us, they can hear us.

Bethlehem– Checkpoint 300: strong wind blowing, and the walkway up to the CP is full of plastic bags and aluminum cans blowing in the wind. Only one window is operating for both directions, but this is quite enough, because there are hardly any people crossing. Passage is as swift as those that pass can move.

 

  • 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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