Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 7.12.08, Afternoon
15:15 PM, Etzion DCL: the parking lot is full but only 11 men in the waiting hall, lined up behind the turnstiles. All wanting magnetic cards but none have numbers. They request our help so we ask the soldier behind the window whether there is any point in their waiting, do they have a chance of getting inside. He advises that they wait till 16:00 PM and he'll let them know by then. He is polite and earnestly makes an effort to assist, but at the designated time informs us all that there are too many people inside and that they should come back next Sunday. During this time 2 people seeking a permit on humanitarian grounds are let in, but a third is by now also refused entry for the same reason – the office is packed, people waiting there are standing as there are no more seats available. As we and the frustrated Palestinians turn to leave, a man coming out verifies this. There are about 25 people huddled inside, which also explains why the parking lot is still full.
16:30 PM, Bethlehem Checkpoint: surprisingly enough, despite the time, no lines outside and only very few people making swift use of the 2 open stations. There seems to be no need for more.
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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