Bethlehem, Thu 5.6.08, Afternoon
For technical reasons we decided to go only to Bethlehem checkpoint. Another reason was the unpleasant situation that arises each day there when the workers arrive.
16:30, Bethlehem checkpoint: The workers arrived and for no particular reason a long line has been formed. We asked the security man why there were only three active booths and why he wasn't letting people enter. He said that it was his business to control the situation and the security.
In spit of that he let each time a group of 20-30 people enter.
A group of people that passed were taken aside and their IDs were taken from them. After several minutes they got them back. Another post was closed again… another jam formed… a long line formed.
We once again turned to the security person asking him to try to move the line faster to ease the situation for the people who were standing in the heat.
His shift ended and another security man arrived – again letting only 5-6 people enter.
We left after 6:00 PM. All workers have passed.
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 .
-