Mecca

Why diplomatic deals cannot fix revolutionary ambitions - opinion

Washington seeks a manageable relationship; Tehran seeks a revolution. No treaty can bridge that gap.

U.S. President Donald Trump points his finger towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they shake hands during a press conference after meeting at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., December 29, 2025.
Israeli, Iranian, and US flags are seen above US dollars in this illustrative image.

‘Pax Americana’ in the Middle East - opinion

(Illustrative) Palestinian members of al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement.

Hamas seeks to exploit Hajj pilgrimage to smuggle funds into Gaza - report

 Muslims perform their evening prayers around the holy Kaaba as they start arriving to perform the annual Haj in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2023.

Normalization with Saudi Arabia cannot begin while Mecca broadcasts antisemitic hate - editorial


Israel says it is discussing possible direct Haj flights to Saudi Arabia

Muslims from Israel and the Palestinian territories currently travel to Mecca through third-party countries, which can spell additional expense and bother.

 An airplane takes off from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, Netherlands June 16, 2022

Voices from the Arab press: Conspiracy theories won't stop Saudi reforms

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

 GLASS CUBE: Apple’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue, New York City.

On This Day: The Muslim conquest of Mecca in 630 CE

Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is home to Masjid al-Haram, the largest mosque in the world which has within it the Ka'ba toward which all Muslims pray.

Muslim pilgrims pray around the holy Kaaba at the Grand Mosque ahead of the annual haj pilgrimage in Mecca on September 21, 2015

Respect must go both ways in Israel-Middle East normalization - editorial

The incident in Mecca needs to be used for education. While Israel wants to have normal relations with the Islamic world, there is also much to learn about this new relationship.

 Saudi police officer stands guard as pilgrims arrive to perform their final Tawaf in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, July 20, 2021.

Saudi who helped Israeli journalist enter Mecca arrested

The Saudi Public Prosecution is working to take necessary procedures against the Israeli journalist as well.

 Saudi police officer stands guard as pilgrims arrive to perform their final Tawaf in the Grand Mosque, in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, July 20, 2021.

Jewish Channel 13 reporter sparks outrage after visiting Mecca

Israel's Regional Cooperation Minister Esawi Frej (Meretz), who is Muslim himself, called the incident "a stupid thing to do and take pride in."

Muslim pilgrims circle the Kaaba and pray at the Grand mosque ahead of annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia August 16, 2018

Saudi Arabia expected to grant access to Israeli air travel - US official

The announcement is expected to come during Biden's visit to Saudi Arabia later this week, the official said. Biden has made it a focus to integrate Israel into the broader Gulf region.

Palestinians travel through a crossing monitored by COGAT on umrah, the pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj

Muslim pilgrims gather for peak of haj east of Mecca

Pilgrims clad in white robes climbed the rocky Mount of Mercy, which oversees the plain of Arafat where the Prophet Mohammad held his last sermon.

Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount of Mercy at the plain of Arafat during the annual haj pilgrimage, outside the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, July 8, 2022

Israel asks Saudis to let Mecca pilgrims fly direct from Tel Aviv

Israel's Regional Cooperation Minister, Esawi Freij, asked Saudi Arabia to allow Muslims to take direct flights from Israel so they can make pilgrimage to Mecca without having to take two flights.

 MUSLIM WORSHIPERS visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

For the first time, Saudi women stand guard in Mecca during Hajj

"This is a huge accomplishment for us and it is the biggest pride to be in the service of religion, the country, and the guests of God".

A female Saudi police officer stands guard as pilgrims perform Tawaf during Hajj/Mecca, Saudi Arabia.