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Bethlehem, Thu 22.5.08, Morning
Place:
Bethlehem (300)
Observers: Rachel F., Nora B. (reporter)
6:00 AM, Bethlehem Checkpoint: There are 5 boots open when we arrive at 6:00, and no pressure on the Israeli side. As usual, Palestinians complain about what goes on on the other side, which is impossible.
A woman who works at a hospital addresses us and complains that she has been waiting on the other side from 4:30 and only now, 6:30 succeeded to pass. There is no line for women, and the pressure, intolerable. The responsible for security, who would not identify himself, addresses her and asks for her ID and permit. He talks correctly to her and let her know, as far as we understood, that she should have addressed him, and not us. Another delay for the woman, and this because she dared complain.
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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