MECCA, Saudi Arabia — Hundreds of thousands of Muslims have flocked to the Saudi holy city of Mecca for the hajj pilgrimage unfolding this year in the shadow of the Gaza war.
One of the world's largest annual religious gatherings officially begins on Friday, and Saudi officials are trying to keep the focus on prayers.The Gulf kingdom's minister in charge of religious pilgrimages, Tawfiq al-Rabiah, warned last week that 'no political activity' will be tolerated.The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means, and as of Thursday around 1.
However Saudi officials have said ties with Israel are impossible without 'irrevocable' steps towards recognition of a Palestinian state, which Israel has long opposed.Saudi King Salman issued a decree on Monday to host 1,000 pilgrims 'from the families of martyrs and the wounded from the Gaza Strip', bringing to 2,000 the number of Palestinian pilgrims to be hosted this year, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.
War Hangs Over Hajj As Pilgrims Flock To Mecca
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Saudi clears Mecca of unregistered pilgrimsDefining the News
Read more »
Saudi crown prince, US national security adviser meet on Gaza, bilateral dealWashington and Riyadh have been discussing US security guarantees and civilian nuclear assistance as part of a broader deal that the US hopes would lead to normalizing Saudi-Israeli relations
Read more »
Balatbat appointed Philippine envoy to Saudi ArabiaPresident Marcos has appointed career diplomat Raymond Balatbat as the new Philippine ambassador to Saudi Arabia, an official of the House of Representatives said.
Read more »
PBBM nominates envoy for Saudi ArabiaDefining the News
Read more »
De Bruyne open to lucrative Saudi Arabia move when Manchester City contract expiresKevin De Bruyne is talking with his family about possibly moving to Saudi Arabia as a free agent next year, the Manchester City playmaker said Tuesday, June 4.
Read more »
Saudi Arabia stages 'historic' swimwear fashion showUMMAHAT ISLANDS, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia held its first fashion show featuring swimsuit models on Friday, an envelope-pushing step in a country where less than a decade ago, women were required to wear body-covering abaya robes.
Read more »