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Bethlehem, Tue 29.11.11, Morning
Place:
Bethlehem (300)
Observers: Rachel M., Drora P. (reporting)
"Is all that only so that you may say that there are a few Israelis who want peace?"
Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300 (Rachel Crossing), 6:45 am:
it was a very difficult morning. For a considerable time now we have been reporting on the efficient and smooth crossing, but this time the bad days were back. We arrived as usual at 6:45. Very many employers' vehicles were waiting outside for workers. Inside, 5 positions were open. The soldiers were working efficiently, but because people arrive in waves, they were idle between each surge. Although many had yet to cross, the number of checking positions was reduced from five to three.
According to reports, people had to wait more than two hours before exiting. At the main entrance, they go through in groups, one group after another. It was the same on Sunday.
One of the persons crossing was furious, and reprimanded us: Why do you stand here? Is it only to say there are a few Israelis who want peace? We made ourselves scarce.
8:20 Here and there employers entered the building. One of them raised his voice to the soldier in attendance and threatened to get in touch with the Ministry of Labour which charges him a high sum for his workers, and here he is daily losing their working hours.
The number of people waiting to leave for work is still high.
According to reports, people had to wait more than two hours before exiting. At the main entrance, they go through in groups, one group after another. It was the same on Sunday.
One of the persons crossing was furious, and reprimanded us: Why do you stand here? Is it only to say there are a few Israelis who want peace? We made ourselves scarce.
8:20 Here and there employers entered the building. One of them raised his voice to the soldier in attendance and threatened to get in touch with the Ministry of Labour which charges him a high sum for his workers, and here he is daily losing their working hours.
The number of people waiting to leave for work is still high.
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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