BEthelehm Cp 300, El Khader, Beit Jala, Etzion CP and DCO

Bethlehem AreaWednesday 29.1.04 – Morning – 6:30 – 9:00Observers: Rachel F., Nora B. (reporting) guests: Michal (from Berlin) and Kristina (from International Organization of Churches).Bethlehem Checkpoint 300 – 6:30 – We met Kristina who told us that it took about 20 minutes to pass the control. Few vehicles in both directions. About 5 detainees. To our question, the checkpoint commander, Idan Dahhari, tells us that all Palestinians with permits pass. There are less restrictions due to the holidays (not clear to us which restrictions have been dropped) and he told us that he had been asked about regulations for election day yesterday was asked the same questions and that he cannot inform us. We told him that the media are announcing that checkpoints will be removed and people will be allowed to move more easily. He responded by saying that the media also talks about how the government helps fight poverty (obviously an astute social critic).Bet J’ala – 7:15 – Checkpoint is open and smooth flow of vehicles. There is a Red Cross bus taking relatives to visit prisoners. The driver tells us there are problems at the prison itself where people without permits (not clear who) are not allowed to get out of the bus, even for prayers or toilets. All private vehicles driving in the direction of Israel are allowed to pass after documents and cars are checked.El- Arub – 7:50 – there are checkpoints at the two entrances to the village. Etzion Checkpoint – 8:00 – Soldiers check documents of travelers in Palestinian vehicles.Etzion DCL – 8:10 – They started opening when we arrived, first window No. 1, and then No. 2. There are about 12 people waiting. A couple, with 3 children, approached window 1 (for magnetic cards) and were at the window for at least a half hour, apparently this is a good sign, since all others finished within less than a minute, all with the same answer "declined". A merchant from the Etzion area requested a permit to enter Israel. There is a notice that not entry permits are given to merchants. He was directed to go to the Palestinian DCL. He was very upset since he feels that at the Palestinian Authority they are all thieves. He also told us that there are Merchant associations that take care of permits for people who are assoicated with them, and neglect the others.El Khader – 8:45 – No army or police. Many taxis parked there.Elections: Kristina: lives in Bethlehem and tells us that there is no special atmosphere in expectation of the elections. The mayor has informed them that about 75% registered for the elections.The merchant in the DCL: with a cynical tone: “Democracy???? We learnt about that in College”.Another one: Abu-Mazen is the American and Israel choice. There is no reason why I should vote for him”. And as to the other candidates: “I do not vote. I do not believe in anybody, only in my pocket”.