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Bethlehem, Thu 26.6.08, Morning

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Observers: Rachel F., Nora B. (reporting)
Jun-26-2008
| Morning

 

5:45,  Rachel Crossing: There are 4 boots open when we arrived. The hall was reduced by installing sliding doors after the 4th pair of booths. There is almost no presence of the prívate security guards. The lines are ordered, not too crowded and not too long. We suppose that the crossing movement is regulated from the Palestinian side.

 

From time to time we hear at the megaphone "Silence, please", with the kindergarten tone usual to the place (have you ever heard something like this at any crossing between countries or cities, at any other country?).

 

In spite of what we see, Palestinian women  tell us that this has been one of the worst weeks. They have had to wait over 2 hours most of the days and what is happening on the Palestinian side is untolerable.

  

  • Bethlehem (300)

    See all reports for this place
    • 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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