How Israel's war on Gaza has made Hajj an unreachable dream

How Israel's war on Gaza has made Hajj an unreachable dream Submitted by Sara Awad on Mon, 05/18/2026 - 20:41 Palestinians have been blocked from a deeply spiritual journey of renewal, devotion and healing - at a time when they need it most Muslim pilgrims walk next to the Kaaba at the Grand Mosque, ahead of the annual hajj pilgrimage, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on 18 May, 2026 (Reuters) On While thousands of Muslims prepare to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, Palestinians in Gaza have been deprived yet again of the opportunity to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam, as Israel retains control over the Rafah border. Year after year, Palestinians in Gaza have been prevented from leaving the territory to perform Hajj - a sacred pilgrimage that is the once-in-a-lifetime duty of all Muslims, provided they are physically and financially able. Instead, we are forced to watch the pilgrimage from afar.