Al Mayadeen English
With over 1.47 million international pilgrims already arriving for the 2025 Hajj, Saudi Arabia continues to enforce strict regulations to prevent overcrowding and heat deaths during the pilgrimage. A long-standing quota system allocates Hajj slots by country based on its population, while entry restrictions ahead of the Hajj seasons are tightened to curb unauthorized pilgrims, which the Saudi Ministry of Interior warned against. Otherwise, performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit can result in a 20,000 SAR (5331.89 USD) fine, deportation, and a 10-year re-entry ban into the country.
Walid Jumblatt calls on political, cultural elites to be cautious of Israeli Syria claims
In a phone call with Al Mayadeen, Walid Jumblatt urged Druze leaders, intellectuals, and sheikhs to be cautious of Israeli claims to "protect" the Druze of Suweida, calling it a suicidal gamble and a betrayal of Arab national history. He reaffirmed support for a political solution and the proper handover of arms in coordination between Suweida’s national leadership and the Syrian state.