Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 6.1.08, Afternoon
Ezyon DCL
Again waiting for the GSS. A medical case (fertility problems) was refused entry: the husband was GSS denied and no evidence of previous medical care was presented. In short “no justification” for their request for treatment at “Sharey Tzedek”.
The people ,waiting for the GSS, were called in for investigation, after our application to the IDFHC. Two GSS-excluded people were sent to Sylvia for help.
At Rachel’s passage
There was a queue (as there was yesterday and the week before) 30 meters in length of people returning from work, divided into 2 groups. This time we asked people to make a note of the time taken. At our arrival there were 3 positions for those leaving and one for those entering. Then one soldier left and the guard from the civilian security company came and stood next to us and called got the commanding officer and asked that more positions be opened.
After 2-3 minutes all 5 positions were active. People were allowed to enter in groups of 20 men and the soldiers checked permits only; officers in charge were also present.
That day was the Greek –orthodox Christmas eve. At the parking lot we noted the presence of police, border guards & officers who said they were waiting for the passage of the patriarch.
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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