Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 30.11.08, Morning
6:50 AM, Bethlehem terminal: crossing is slow again today. Many people are still on the other side, much crowding reported by the EAPPI people. The terminal opened on time, but only two metal detectors are operating, not three, as usual. Some people report long waits, others shorter, as usual too, but the proof of the pudding is that only at 7:30 the place is empty. That is too late. Again: these people WORK, their living is imperiled if they are late.
8:10 AM, Etzion DCL: very crowded as usual. Doors open just now and 85 numbers are given out. The sick and the old get in first without numbers. Women are first to get a number. Those who are not given numbers wait around for the event that a new batch of numbers will be given later and indeed, we hear that at 11:00 more numbers were given out. We are also notified that all those who applied for new magnetic cards are being answered. (Not permits)
A few people from the Latin Catholic church report they were told magnetic cards were a must for entry to Jerusalem on Christmas. After inquiry this proved to be untrue and we were told the churches would be informed of this.
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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