Bethlehem (300), Tue 27.12.11, Morning

Bethlehem - checkpoint 300 (Rachel Crossing):  it’s 6:45 AM.  Very many people wait on line.  It takes about an hour and a half to cross.  Four booths in front. People stream inside in groups of about 40 at one time.  It seems to us that’s the reason that crossing goes so slowly. Moreover, only one gate is open. The humanitarian gate didn’t open this morning. We telephoned the humanitarian office, but saw no change in operations.  We left around 8:00 AM; many people were still waiting to exit.