Mecca
Hamas seeks to exploit Hajj pilgrimage to smuggle funds into Gaza - report
In Egypt, the sources explained, the smuggled finances will be laundered or “redirected” using various methods before being transferred to Gaza.
Normalization with Saudi Arabia cannot begin while Mecca broadcasts antisemitic hate - editorial
Normalization? The Mecca sermon no one in the West wants to hear - opinion
Saudi Arabia executes two people for plotting attacks on places of worship
Saudi authorities release Iranian cleric arrested for bad mouthing Kingdom, Sunnah
Iranian cleric Ghasemian was arrested in Mecca for insulting Saudi Arabia but was quickly released and returned to Iran before completing Hajj. Both countries downplayed the incident.
Tehran pushes for Saudi Arabia to release Iranian cleric who posted critical video
Gholamreza Qassemian posted a video in which he heavily criticized Saudi Arabia for enabling moral corruption in the kingdom.
Hundreds reportedly died at this year's Hajj in Saudi Arabia
Over 1.83 million Muslims from 22 countries participated in the pilgrimage this year. Significant security presence at the hospital when an official read out the names of the deceased.
Iran's Khamenei politicizes Hajj again, calls for global dissociation from Israel
His statements of address during this year's Hajj echo his historical pattern of using the pilgrimage as a platform for political statements against Israel and the US.
Fourteen Jordanians die during hajj in Saudi Arabia, some succumb to heat
Stampedes, tent fires, heat and other factors have caused hundreds of deaths at the event over the past 30 years.
Syrian pilgrims regain ability to make Hajj thanks to improving relations with Saudi Arabia
Under the auspices of the kingdom's Crown Prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has played a leading role in Syria’s gradual reintegration into the regional fold.
Israel will have direct flights to Mecca by 2024, FM Cohen predicts
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government had hoped it could arrange for direct flights between the two countries, even in advance of the deal, but to date, those efforts have not borne fruit.
Saudi-Iran thaw improves haj services for Iranian pilgrims
Sayid Mahdi, who will be in charge of around 2,800 Iranian pilgrims that will perform haj next week, said Saudi Arabia has been more cooperative in finding hotels for Iranians this year.
Israel says it is discussing possible direct Haj flights to Saudi Arabia
Muslims from Israel and the Palestinian territories currently travel to Mecca through third-party countries, which can spell additional expense and bother.
Voices from the Arab press: Conspiracy theories won't stop Saudi reforms
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
