Gaza Crossing Opens for Hajj

Gaza-Egypt Border to Open
Monday Sept 7 For
Palestinian Hujjaj

ISLAM NEWSROOM HAJJ SPECIAL 2015 - Palestinian Hujjaj [pilgrims] to Make Hajj
In RAFAH -- Border crossing between Egypt and Gaza to open Monday for Palestinian pilgrims

1.8 million people of Gaza Strip have been cut off from the rest of the world since Rafah, the principal border, has been almost entiredly shut down since 2013.

According to Egyptian news site Youm7, the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza is supposed to open Monday, September 7, 2015 to allow for Palestinians to cross on their way to Saudi Arabia to perform their Hajj pilgrimage.

Officially Saudi Arabia has prepared to host two million Muslims from around the world for the annual pilgrimage or "Hajj" (in Arabic). But is more likely to see excess of 3,000,000 if this is anything like the previous 10 years.

The kingdom anticipates more than just those who are registered with visas, due to the large number of visitors all coming at one time from the entire world. While they make every effort to maintain high security while facilitating ease for all the hujjaj (pilgrims), it is obviously difficult to control that many people all at the same time.

Good news is - almost every single person there has come for religious committment to Almighty God, and very few (although some) are there for evil purposes.

The annual hajj to Mecca and side trips to Madinah -- Islam's holiest sites, is expected to begin September 21, 2015 - but depends on the sighting of the new moon in the sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah. [ask a local imams for exact sighting information in your area]

"A total of 2,450 Palestinian pilgrims have obtained entry visas to Saudi Arabia through the Saudi embassy in Cairo. The batch is set be transferred from Rafah to Cairo airport in several buses over the coming three days to avoid overcrowding in the arrival hall," -- Egyptian news site Youm7 quoted an Egyptian official source at the crossing as saying.

Since 2013, the principal connection at Rafah, between the Strip's 1.8 million residents and the outside world, has been shut down.

Israel imposed a blockade on the coastal enclave in 2007 following its takeover by the Hamas Party.

The situation in Gaza deteriorated after Egypt also imposed a blockade on the strip. This began in 2013 and cut off underground tunnels running into northern Sinai. These tunnels had been a lifeline for the people of Gaza.

The crossing at Rafah has only been open for a total of 20 days this year.

Heavy fighting and attacks on security forces in Sinai Peninsula bordering the Hamas ruled Gaza Strip, from jihadis, Egyptian government accuses Hamas as supporter.

Israel imposed a blockade on the coastal enclave in 2007 after the Hamas Party came to power, imposing severe restrictions of movements and heavy sanctions against the people living there.

The news of Gaza Crossing being opened, even if only for a few days for Hajj - comes as a welcomed development in the region and could open other doors for future peaceful resolutions, inshallah.