Defusing the Crisis at Jerusalem’s Gate of Mercy

Defusing the Crisis at Jerusalem’s Gate of Mercy

Table of Contents

Overview
The Opening Salvo
The Political Underpinnings of the Crisis
Ongoing Conflict
Maintaining Calm at the Site
Conclusion
Appendix A: Map of Jerusalem’s Holy Esplanade

Palestinians perform Friday prayer outside the Al-Rahma Gate (Gate of Mercy) at Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, after the continued closure by Israeli police in Jerusalem on 22 February 2019. Faiz Abu Rmeleh / Anadolu Agency

Briefing 67 / Middle East & North Africa 03 April 2019

Defusing the Crisis at Jerusalem’s Gate of Mercy

A standoff looms between Palestinian worshippers and Israeli police over a shuttered building at Jerusalem’s Holy Esplanade. Israel and Muslim religious authorities should reopen the building to lessen tensions at the sacred site, where small incidents have blown up into prolonged violence before.