Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Tue 16.10.07, Morning
05:45, Bethlehem CP. Passage was quite smooth. By 07:15, all was quiet both sides.
Two men were refused passage, no reasons given. The female soldier at the checking post was quite rude (and was talking on the phone during our whole shift), and would not explain why they were refused. We had the impression, though, that the reason is not indicated on the monitor anyhow, which is typical to the whole situation. Usually we call the IDF Humanitarian Center and they inquire into it. This time, though, the men left before we did.
08:10, Ezyon DCL. About thirty people, many more than we usually see there for many months now.
Until we left at 09:15, fifteen people came out, and all except three, were refused for “security” reasons. Most of them had all the necessary documents (i.e. valid magnetic cards and permits). Also, the soldiers in the DCL refused to indicate on the permits the reasons for the refusal. We had to ask the IDF Humanitarian Center to intervene.
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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