Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 31.7.11, Morning
07.00 Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300:
there were many people outside but few inside. We thought that
everything was alright but this proved not to be the case.
07.20 The people coming out complained that there were still many workers
outside. They were crowded on top of each other and they exited very
slowly. One could see a lot of anger on their faces.
Although four inspection stations were open in the hall, the main pressure was not seen here. At first there wasn’t a line for women; eventually it was opened but too late. Because there was no womens’ line, two women came out with sick children ( Yechia and the son of Suad) after they had waited for an hour with their tired children in their arms. It was intolerable ! They come three times a week, but are not acknowledged as mothers of children who have to undergo dialysis.
08.30 Etzion DCL:
the hall was more than half empty, cool and clean. People received numbers and their names were registered with the number. They waited to hear their name called-out over the loudspeaker. Each time that someone entered the whole row advanced by one seat. An unusual
sight . . . .
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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