Over 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims have gathered in Mecca for the start of Hajj, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The pilgrimage began today with worshippers circling the Kaaba at Mecca’s Grand Mosque.

Due to the closure of the Rafah crossing in May, Palestinians from Gaza were unable to attend. However, 4,200 pilgrims from the occupied West Bank and 1,000 from families of Palestinians affected by the war, who were outside Gaza before the closure, were invited by Saudi Arabia's King Salman.

Over two million pilgrims are expected this year, praying for peace in Gaza, Yemen, and Sudan.
(colombotimes.lk)