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Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 3.5.09, Morning

Place: Bethlehem (300) Etzion DCO
Observers: Sylvia P., Chana A. (reporting)
May-03-2009
| Morning

7:00 AM, Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300:  terminal almost empty, quiet on all fronts, no complaints. The EAPPI report that 1803 people have crossed this morning. Far fewer than usual.

7:50  AM, Etzion DCL: only few people stand waiting. Doors open at 8:10. Of the few people there, six came to have their handprints renewed. Why not have a DCL person at the terminal to do that service as the incidence is so high?

We meet a few people who are blacklisted, without jobs, complaining and we get to work.

Here is a list of checkpoints from which a worker can return at night with a magnetic card (as published on the walls):

1. Gilboa

2. Barte'a

3. Sha'ar Ephraim

4. Eyal

5. Makkabim

6. Na'alin

7. Atarot

8. Hazeitim

9.  Bethlehem CP300

10. Tarkumiya

11. Meitar

  • 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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