Bab Al-Rahma Mosque: A Sacred Battleground in the Heart of Al-Aqsa

In the heart of occupied East Jerusalem, the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound remains a powerful symbol of Palestinian identity and resistance. Yet, within its walls, one lesser-known structure has become the epicenter of a daily struggle: the Bab Al-Rahma Mosque—also known as the “Gate of Mercy.”

Tucked along the eastern wall of the compound, Bab Al-Rahma has a history stretching back centuries. Originally a gate through which merchants and pilgrims passed, it was sealed in 1187 CE by Salah al-Din (Saladin) after he liberated Jerusalem from the Crusaders. The closure aimed to fortify the compound and reroute commerce through more secure points of entry.

Over time, the gate transformed into a mosque. But in 2003, Israeli authorities shuttered the site, alleging it was being used for unauthorized political activities by the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement. These accusations were denied by the Jordanian Waqf, the body internationally recognized as the legal custodian of the Al-Aqsa compound.

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For 16 years, the mosque remained locked and silent—until February 2019, when Palestinian youth forcibly removed the chains and reopened its doors for prayer. Since then, Bab Al-Rahma has become a focal point of Palestinian presence and a target of Israeli crackdowns.

A local imam, identified only as M.S., described the reopening:

“They locked it, claiming illegal use. But in 2019, young men removed the chains, and turned it back into a prayer space. Before that, it was used as a Quran school, for feeding the poor—never political.”

Despite the spiritual significance, Israel’s occupation forces have reportedly entered the mosque daily, sometimes wearing shoes inside the prayer area, and taken photographs of internal fixtures. Palestinian worshippers see this as part of a broader effort to assert control.

International law states that the entire Al-Aqsa compound falls under the administration of the Jordanian Waqf, and Israeli intervention is therefore illegal. Yet, violations continue with impunity. In 2019, shortly after the mosque’s reopening, Sheikh Abdel-Azeem Salhab, head of the Waqf Council, and his deputy were arrested for participating in prayers at Bab Al-Rahma.

Due to fear of further reprisals, the Waqf has avoided allocating funds for the mosque’s upkeep. Instead, Bab Al-Rahma relies on local volunteers and crowdfunded support from the Palestinian community.

“We can’t fix lights, clean carpets, or even repair the sound system without being targeted,” M.S. explains. “Every small improvement is met with sabotage.”

Earlier this year, Israeli forces raided the nearby Al-Qibli Mosque, silencing the loudspeakers and disrupting the call to prayer. These incursions are part of a growing pattern. In Bab Al-Rahma specifically, activists and eyewitnesses have reported frequent vandalism, including the cutting of electrical wires and removal of partitions between men and women’s prayer areas.

Dr. Aziz, who visited the mosque in 2021, shared his experience:

“Israeli officers came nightly. They photographed the electrical systems, disconnected speakers, even removed barriers. It felt like constant surveillance.”

There’s growing fear among Palestinians that the Israeli government—under pressure from far-right factions—intends to turn Bab Al-Rahma into a synagogue. This suspicion isn’t baseless. Activist groups advocating for the construction of a “Third Temple” openly state that gaining control over this section of the compound is a key strategic step.

Knesset members and settlers have been seen praying within the Al-Aqsa compound, violating long-standing agreements that prohibit non-Muslim worship at the site. The motivation appears to be part of a broader ideological plan to Judaize the area.

“If it’s full of Muslims, they can’t take it,” says Imam M.S. “But if it’s empty, it becomes easy. They call it the Golden Gate, believing the messiah will enter from there.”

Ir Amim, an Israeli organization that monitors state actions in Jerusalem, has reported increased cooperation between Israeli police and Temple Mount activists. Their reports warn of the state’s possible intentions to formalize Jewish worship at Bab Al-Rahma.

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In the aftermath of the war on Gaza, restrictions have only intensified. Palestinians have been arrested under emergency laws simply for entering the mosque. Security measures have become more aggressive, all while the international community remains largely silent.

Despite adversity, Palestinians continue to maintain a presence at Bab Al-Rahma, holding firm to their right to worship and preserve their sacred heritage. As long as the faithful remain, so too does resistance against efforts to erase their history.