West Bank pilgrims in their camps in Mina missed their fellow countrymen from Gaza, who were prevented by circumstances from reaching the holy sites. Several of them spoke to Okaz about the absence of their relatives from Gaza and the factors that prevented them from performing Haj. A Hamas offcial had earlier alleged that pilgrims from Gaza were denied Haj visas. Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Inetrior, last week reiterated that the Kingdom does not differentiates between the pilgrims. The minister had said the Kingdom does not issue Haj visas in consideration of political affiliations. Eisa Ahmad, a pilgrim from Hebron, missed his relatives from Gaza and wished they were with him in this successful Haj season, as his stay at the holy sites “has been an enjoyable spiritual journey.” Ahmad could not hold back his tears remembering his friends, who having agreed to perform Haj with him this year, made preparations for the journey but were prevented by circumstances from making their dream come true. He said that this was an opportunity for Palestinians to benefit from this experience to unite and agree among themselves and put aside their differences for good. Ahmad said that the concerned authorities in occupied territories were striving to facilitate the arrival of 3,500 pilgrims from Gaza to perform the Haj rituals next year. Wael Abu Rajab, another Palestinian pilgrim, could not conceal his sorrow and regret regarding the recent events that deprived the Gaza pilgrims of arriving at the holy sites. He urged every Palestinian pilgrim to pray to Allah to unify the ranks of Palestinians and reward those pilgrims who were not able to reach the holy sites due to reasons beyond their control. Fatima, a woman pilgrim from Ramallah, said she performed her rites with ease and in comfort. All fears disappeared when she reached the Jamrat Bridge and pelted the devil personally. She said her cousins in Gaza requested her to bring back jerry cans of Zamzam water. Sa'eed Dhaar, a pilgrim from Jericho, said that the pilgrims from Gaza being unable to perform the Haj was very disturbing. “My heart is hurt. We hope they will be given the chance to visit the holy sites next year,” he said.
