Concerns More than a million Muslim pilgrims gathered in Mecca on Friday for the Hajj pilgrimage, amid the ongoing Gaza war and intense summer heat.
By late Monday, around 1.5 million pilgrims had arrived, with many expressing sorrow over the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Worshippers circled the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, with some praying for the situation in Gaza.
Zahra Benizahra, a 75-year-old from Morocco, tearfully mentioned the suffering of Palestinians.
Belinda Elham from Indonesia expressed her daily prayers for peace in Palestine.
The Gaza war started on October 7 when Hamas launched a retaliatory attack against Israel.
Israel's subsequent military actions have resulted in over 37,000 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry.
Saudi King Salman decreed that 1,000 pilgrims from Gaza, including families of martyrs and the wounded, would be hosted for this year's Hajj.
This brings the total number of special Palestinian pilgrims to 2,000.
Despite the war, Saudi Arabia's religious minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah emphasized that political activities are not allowed during Hajj.
The Hajj involves several days of rituals in Mecca and surrounding areas.
Pilgrims perform the "tawaf" by circling the Kaaba seven times and then proceed to Mina to stay in air-conditioned tents.
The peak of Hajj occurs on Mount Arafat with day-long prayers.
Pilgrims, dressed in white garments, have been circling the Kaaba in large numbers, with many waiting years for this opportunity.
Permits are allocated by Saudi authorities on a quota basis for each country.
Nonaartina Hajipaoli from Brunei expressed her profound sense of privilege for being part of the pilgrimage.
Last year's Hajj saw over 1.8 million pilgrims after lifting pandemic restrictions.
This year's event takes place during the hot Saudi summer, with expected highs of 44°C.
Saudi health officials have prepared mitigation measures, including misting systems and heat-reflective road coverings.
Pilgrims were advised to drink over 2 liters of water daily and carry umbrellas, with temperatures potentially reaching 48°C.
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