Gaza Herald – Palestinian authorities announced that Israeli restrictions and the closure of Gaza crossings prevented residents from traveling to Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
The Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs said the government coordinated with regional and international bodies to secure travel and a safe return for Gaza pilgrims. Still, those efforts failed to yield guarantees amid continued restrictions at the Rafah crossing.
Due to the tight deadlines set by the Saudi Hajj protocol, which required the final visas to be issued by March 20, 2026, and ongoing movement constraints, officials made an exceptional decision for this year only.
The remaining Hajj quota allocated to Gaza was transferred to a lottery system for residents of Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa Mosque area, and northern governorates, ensuring that Palestine does not lose its allotted visas.
Local authorities stressed that this measure is temporary and intended to preserve Palestine’s full share of Hajj permits while acknowledging the continued hardship faced by Gazans.
The decision highlights the broader impact of Israeli border restrictions on civilian life in Gaza, compounding challenges in a territory already reeling from two years of genocide.
