Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Tue 13.11.07, Morning
06:30, Bethlehem CP. Once again the checking area on our side was almost empty, passage was swift, four checking posts were open, soldiers efficient. The hell was, as usual, on the other side, unseen by us. Palestinians reported that the CP opened at 05:25 (25 minutes late). The crowding at the entrance to the CP was horrible. Ecumenical Accompaniers posted over there added that the entrance would close time and again, apparently, in order to keep the Israeli side quiet and orderly, and that the checking was slow.
Also, soon it is going to rain – the line in front the entrance to the CP is not roofed. People get there as early as 03:00 and before, just to be close to the head of the line, meaning that thousands of people will have to spend hours under the rain with no shelter above their heads.
08:15, Ezyon DCL. Few people. A major inspecting that all was in order, told us that there was no age limitation for magnetic cards.
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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