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Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 6.1.08, Morning

Observers: Ofra B., Renana S., Chana A.(reporting)
Jan-06-2008
| Morning
   
   
   
7:00 Bethlehem CP 300: Lots of people on the streets outside, but also crowds still lined up in front of the windows. Five windows are open, workers coming through report fast procedures this morning, gate opened at 05:00. Putting all these facts together, it seems that the late hour crowds are caused by people arriving late. The cold maybe?

Our Christian women friends complain about their men not being able to come to Jerusalem for the holidays. Today and tomorrow is Orthodox Christmas.

8:40 Etsion DCL: after a long purposely designed detour on the long road back to Gilo, leading to Herodion, we return to Etsion. Not many people, but those who are there have many requests and complaints. One man from Wallaje complains bitterly about his inability to access his land to work the olive groves and other crops. He carries maps with him showing the mass confiscations. We are able to help him get an interview with the DCL person who deals with agricultural access permits.

  • 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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