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. This distance is measured not in miles, but in closed borders, as an occupying force stands between us and our sacred journey.  The Rafah border is the only gateway for Palestinians in Gaza to the outside world, and although it has reopened partially, Israel still imposes restrictions on movement through it.  To perform Hajj, which coincides with Eid al-Adha celebrations, Muslims will travel from all over the world in the coming days to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. But Muslims in Gaza will be left facing border closures, displacement, hunger and severe financial hardships.  While Hajj now seems impossible for Gaza’s Muslims, it has always been a difficult prospect, with complex travel arrangements costing thousands of dollars.