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Bethlehem, Tue 10.11.09, Morning

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Tags: Slow passage
Observers: I, R (both reporting)
Nov-10-2009
| Morning

6:30 am, Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300: as we enter the CP there is much noise coming from inside where we cannot see. Those already through to Jerusalem complain about the long time it took them, many speaking of one and half hours. Yet there are only four to eight people in line in three or four of the five checking stations open. One problem is that the Humanitarian line was not open at the beginning, only later on. But after talking to the people and the guards, it is very clear what the problem is. The checking at the entrance is done very slowly. Why? The answer given to us: Instructions. (Horraot is the word used).

Who? Why? Answer: you don't want to know. We are told it will be a very bad week, every day.
 

At 7:45 am, when we left, many people had not yet passed through. A very frustrating morning.

  • 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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