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Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Wed 14.11.07, Morning

Place: Bethlehem (300) Etzion DCO
Observers: Y.driver, O. R. (reporting)
Nov-14-2007
| Morning
 
show details
 Nov 14 
Bethlehem, Al Nashash, Nebi Yunis, DCO Etzion,  
Bethlehem CP, 6:40 am
Five checking stations are open. The people are quiet, but in very crowded lines.  A Red Cross worker stands at the exit door collecting the pieces of paper showing how long it took people to pass from beginning to end.  An Ecumenical accompianist appears.  She tells us that the CP opened at 5:30 am.  Although three metal detectors are available, only two are ever in use, slowing the ability to enter.  She said she heard for the first time, a tourist was requested to remove her shoes for checking.  Those leaving the CP say there are still many waiting at the entrance.
Al Nashash, 7:30 am
No one approaches us for help
Nebi Yunis, 8:00 am
No requests for help
DCL Etzion, 8:45 am
Twenty men are waiting for a magnetic card.  There are two identical signs posted, each about one meter by one meter.  We ask someone to translate for us.  They state that the office is open Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. and all the functions of the DCO are listed.  Actually, at 8:50 am the first five people are invited to enter.  We call to see if M is there to take care of police issues.  There is no answer.  At the "war room", we are told they are also looking for him.  At Ras Al Amud we are told that he is at a conference in Hebron.  There is no sign stating that he is not present today.  There is also no one waiting for help in that area.

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  • 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   .

  • 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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