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Bethlehem, Tue 2.8.11, Morning

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Observers: D., R. (both reporting)
Aug-02-2011
| Morning

 

Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300, 6:45 am: 

We meet E, a policeman, whom we haven't seen for some time. I think he may be in   charge, but in any event, has a major role at the CP, and has always been extremely friendly to us.  (He says he was away for six weeks on a health program and lost 12 kilo)  He tells us that the problem is that often whatever they have that detects metal is not working, only one entrance is then open for people to pass through.  It is never replaced, although it happens frequently, for which he blames the army. He also said that the CP is always open 24 hours.  In any event by 7:30 all had 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   .
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