Hajj 2024 begins amid conflict in the Middle East

Hajj 2024 Begins: Muslim pilgrims have gathered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, as the annual Islamic pilgrimage, Hajj, begins on June 14. More than 1.5 million pilgrims from across the world have already gathered in and around Mecca for the Hajj, and the number will continue to grow in the coming months when hundreds of thousands of Saudis and others residing in Saudi Arabia will join them.

The pilgrimage is one of Islam's Five Pillars, and all Muslims must perform the five-day Hajj at least once in their lives if they are capable of doing so, physically and financially. It is not just an act of religious duty, but also an opportunity for spiritual renewal, absolution of past sins, and the embrace of a new beginning.

This year's Hajj is taking place in critical circumstances of a blazing battle in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Palestine. The entire Middle East is threatened with a war between Israel and its allies and Iran-backed militant organizations.

Palestinians in Gaza's coastal enclave have been unable to travel to Mecca for Hajj this year due to the closing of the Rafah crossing in May. Palestinian officials reported that 4,200 pilgrims from the occupied West Bank had arrived in Mecca for Hajj. According to Saudi authorities, 1,000 additional families of Palestinians killed or injured in the Gaza conflict have arrived to do Hajj at King Salman's invitation.

Inputs: Agencies

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