Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Wed 14.5.08, Morning
Translation: Jonathan M.
Rachel Crossing, Nebi Yunes, Etzion DCL
There is a complete blockade today as a result of Presidents’ Convention and Bush’s visit.
Rachel Crossing: as a result of the blockade only one checking booth is open and there are very few people standing in line. I tried to contact the ecumenical volunteers on the other side and were told that as a result of the curfew they decided not to come.
Nebi Yunes: Despite, or perhaps because of the curfew there was a large number of vehicles. There is no military presence in the area. We came as a result of a phone call that asked us to look into some traffic related incident. We took care of it and reported to the DCO.
Etzion DCL: The waiting room is full of people. Some are there to renew or extend their magnetic cards. Others were summoned by the GSS. The people are waiting quietly and patiently. At least that is the external appearance.
Two asked for our help to cancel their prohibition for entering Israel. They are GSS restricted. We passed their request and documents to Sylvia.
Some of the people described to us the situation in the Hebron DCO: total chaos when it comes to receiving people. This translates into shouts and anger. People who are summoned by the GSS must wait all day, just so they can be sent home at the end of the day and start again their waiting the next day.
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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