Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Tue 17.2.09, Afternoon
3:30 pm, Etzion DCL: new chairs (about 50) in the cold waiting hall, 3 freezing men. One waiting for his brother, invited by the Shabak, since 9 am. Two other men waiting for their friends since one to two hours. According to Channah B. there was nothing we could do for them, in particular not for the student who was held by the Shabak.
4:00 pm, Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300: three counters open with about 12 people passing each of them right away . We decided to cross the checkpoint too. No waiting time, no questions, but a long distance walk outside and eventually along the Bethlehem side of the wall on a narrow fenced path.
On the way back we had to pass other paths, an open space which looked like a parking lot, empty halls and several turnstiles in a confusing system, in which first we got lost until we found our way to the checking point, which we were passing without difficulties. Finally we left to the entrance hall which was empty.
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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