The occupation authorities seal off Al-Rahma gate / occupied Jerusalem

In February 17^th 2019, The occupation forces closed a small door leading to Al-Aqsa compound’s Al-Rahma gate (Gate of mercy) in the eastern side the mosque.

The occupation authorities’ intention is to take over the eastern part of Al-Aqsa mosque.

Radwan Amer, a researcher and a specialist on Al-Aqsa mosque affairs believes that these measures are settling to divide the holy site, which is one of Israel’s plans since a while now.

According to the Jewish narrative , Al-Rahma gate (gate of mercy) leads to a secret  doorway that takes to the Temple mount , this is shown in their illustrations  which feature a picture of a huge building that they believe is “Solomon’s temple” on place of Al-Aqsa Mosque , and in this picture the gate of mercy is opened.

Al-Aqsa mosque is a holy site for its people, and cannot be taken under Israeli control; Israel’s interventions in Al-Aqsa mosque will hinder the peace process.

Legal feedback

International treaties and conventions related to the protection of Cultural objects and places of worship:

Geneva Fourth Conventions , Art. 27 : protected persons are entitled, in all circumstances, to respect for their persons, their honour, their family rights, their religious convictions and practices, and their manners and customs. They shall at all times be humanely treated, and shall be protected especially against all acts of violence or threats thereof and against insults and public curiosity.

 Hague convention (1907) .Art. 56. The property of municipalities, that of institutions dedicated to religion, charity and education, the arts and sciences, even when State property, shall be treated as private property. All seizure of, destruction or wilful damage done to institutions of this character, historic monuments, works of art and science, is forbidden, and should be made the subject of legal proceedings.

Geneva protocol (1977, Art 53.  it is prohibited to commit any acts of hostility directed against the historic monuments, works of art or places of worship which constitute the cultural or spiritual heritage of peoples;