Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Tue 21.7.09, Morning
06:30 AM, Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300: four checking posts were open. Lines were short – no wonder, as the pressure was on the Palestinian side. There was a big crowding over there, people kept telling us, waiting time was long and, some added, the female soldier stationed there was extremely rude.
08:00 AM, Etzion DCL: about fifteen people were waiting. There was a man whose palm print is systematically not identified by the computers in Bethlehem CP. So he keeps coming to the DCL, where they re-check the print, tell him that all is in order and send him on his way. The previous day he had decided to have his magnetic card renovated (45 NIS as compared with 85 NIS, the price of a new one) in the vain hope that this would solve the problem once and for all. It did not, and here he was yet again after he had been refused passage in the CP. All in all, the man is running around like this for a week, losing working days.
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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