Back to reports search page
Donate
Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Tue 13.5.08, Morning
Place:
Bethlehem (300)
Etzion DCO
Observers: Aviva W., Rama Y. (reporting)
07:15 Bethlehem CP: Closure due to Jerusalem presidential conference and Bush’s visit. The closure is partial, though, and quite many Palestinians in possession of the necessary permits wait in long lines in front of the two checking posts that were opened that morning. Indeed, people complained about the long wait – two hours and over. Only at 07:45 did a third post open, and in less than fifteen minutes the lines disappeared.
A renovation: At each checking booth hangs a note saying that it is officially forbidden to have private conversations on the phone.
08:25 Etzion DCL: About forty people waiting in the hall. A Palestinian tells us that the computers are not functioning, and it will take (hopefully) an hour to fix them.
Bethlehem (300)
See all reports for this place-
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
See all reports for this place-
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.
-