Israel prevents 2,500 Palestinians from performing Hajj

Israel’s forceful occupation seizure of Rafah border crossing has prevented 2,500 Palestinians from performing the Hajj this year, the Ministry of Endowments in Gaza revealed.

“This is a clear violation of religious freedom,” ministry spokesperson Ikrami Al-Mudallal told Anadolu Agency.

According to him due to the ongoing Israel genocide in Gaza, they were not able to complete Hajj preparations.

The also includes signing of the transportation contracts within Egypt and Saudi Arabia and booking accommodations in Mecca and Medina.

He noted that the closure of border crossing in Rafah and the ongoing conflict has stopped 2,500 Gaza pilgrims, including accompanying missions, from travelling to perform Hajj.”

“This group represents 38 percent of the total 6,600 Palestinian pilgrims,” he said.

The spokesperson said that they are in constant contact with the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and Egypt to facilitate Palestinian pilgrims and find ways for them to travel for Hajj.

He assured that the pilgrims affected this year “would not lose their right to perform Hajj next year, with priority given to them,” especially since many have waited years for their turn and 70 percent are elderly or ill.