Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 28.9.08, Afternoon
14:30 PM, Etzion DCL: We arrived at the DCL at 14:30. At this hour there were about 25 people waiting for magnetic cards or renewals. By 16:30 all 25 persons had entered. There is an impression that the quantity of people who need refreshing of cards is decreasing, as is the length of the lines.
There were five people summoned by the Shabak who had been waiting since 09:00. One of them was called while we were there, and his ID was returned to him – a mistake, “we didn't need you!” This is the second time this year that he has been called and, after a day's wait, has been sent away. After all, what does the loss of a day's work matter to a Palestinian?
A man had a date for medical treatment – he had been injured in a work accident in building in Israel, and had been confirmed as 100% incapacitated for life. On his papers was a pass until December, but when he requested documentation from the Palestinian authorities, he received a “refused” stamp. After an hour and a half of our interventions with Gal, the Civil Administration Spokesman, who tends to be cooperative – he got the necessary permit. This is the first time that we encounter a permit from Beit El, with all the appropriate procedures, all the documents – and nevertheless an encountered refusal.
A few people did not receive the desired magnetic card – they were told that they were Shabak blacklisted. We directed them to Silvia and her blessed work in the hope that she will be able to help at least some of them.
There was at least one man summoned to the police, but there was no policeman and no response on the phone from the office in Etzion or Maher's mobile phone.
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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