Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 3.5.09, Afternoon
15.00 PM, Etzion DCL: it's completely empty. A soldier greets us with "Shalom; what do you need ?" He tells us that there was pressure in the morning but now there are no Palestinians waiting. A man confirms that all those who were here were dealt-with and left.
16.00 PM, Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300: a great many people are entering Jerusalem, and two inspection stations are working. A soldier is almost falling asleep. A security guard explains that the moment that the workers arrive, more stations will be opened. The people entering tell us that there are delays on the other side of the checkpoint. There are many tourists, and the security guard opens the door between the inspection stations for them.
A representative of the Civil Administration explains to us, and to the local people who ask, about the new procedures: a 24-hour permit requires those who request one to pass through a checkpoint equipped with an inspection station, a computer and so-forth. However, those who have a sleep-over permit are not affected by the new regulation. According to her, the new procedure is in order to be able to up-date the records of Palestinians entering and leaving (Israel).
When the mass of workers arrives, and many of them continue onwards to Jerusalem. Everything is done quietly and in an orderly way, and the moment that a soldier raises his voice, the Civil Administration representative asks him to lower it. On-the-whole, the people pass- through as fast as possible. Also the security guards direct the people coming-in and going-out, where to go quietly and politely.
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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