Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Wed 2.9.09, Morning
Bethlehem – 6:45 am
Many people outside and many vehicles for transportating waiting for their workers. We spoke to an Ecumenical representative who told us that the CP opened at 5:00 am, however, there was only ONE station open at the end to check the people as they left. There was tremendous crowding and noise. About 5:30 a man collapsed. Someone took him outside at the entrance in Bethlehem and he doesn't know what happened to him. It took until 7:30 for everyone to finally pass. One man, who said he went to renew his hand print on Monday was not allowed to pass.
DCO Etzion – 8:00
It did not open until 8:10 am. About 25 people waiting. The man whom we saw who could not pass, although he had renewed his hand print, arrived. We asked that he be taken care of.
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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