Saudi King Invites 1,000 Palestinians for Hajj 2025
Royal Decree Issued for Palestinian Pilgrims
On May 19, 2025, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman issued a royal order to host 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. The announcement came through the Saudi Press Agency and was reported by various outlets, including the Saudi Gazette and Arab News.
The pilgrims, selected from families of Palestinian martyrs, prisoners, and the wounded, will perform Hajj at the King’s personal expense.
Saudi King Invites 1,000 Palestinians for Hajj 2025
This gesture is part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, managed by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance. The initiative aims to ease the spiritual journey for Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict with Israel.
Background of the Initiative
The decision reflects Saudi Arabia’s longstanding commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause, a key issue in the Arab and Muslim world. The Israel-Palestine conflict, intensified by recent escalations, has left many Palestinian families devastated.
King Salman’s order comes amid regional tensions, particularly following U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to displace Palestinians from Gaza and redevelop the area. Saudi Arabia has rejected such plans, emphasizing Palestinian rights to their land and statehood.
Hosting Palestinian pilgrims aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to show solidarity and provide humanitarian support. The program has previously included similar gestures, with posts on X noting that in 2024, an additional 1,000 Palestinians were invited, bringing the total to 2,000 for that year’s Hajj.
Where and When the Announcement Was Made
King Salman’s directive was announced in Riyadh on May 19, 2025, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. The announcement coincided with preparations for the 2025 Hajj, expected to take place from June 4 to June 9, depending on the lunar calendar.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs immediately began developing a plan to facilitate the pilgrims’ journey, ensuring accommodations, transport, and other logistics are in place. The timing is significant, as Saudi Arabia is also navigating diplomatic challenges, including visa restrictions and crowd management measures for the pilgrimage season. These efforts highlight the Kingdom’s focus on a safe and organized Hajj.
Why This Gesture Matters
The King’s decision to host 1,000 Palestinian pilgrims underscores Saudi Arabia’s role as a leader in the Muslim world and its commitment to Islamic brotherhood. The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh, stated that the initiative reflects the Kingdom’s care for Palestinians and its leadership’s dedication to their cause.
By covering all expenses, Saudi Arabia removes financial barriers, allowing affected Palestinians to perform one of Islam’s five pillars. This move also counters narratives of displacement, reinforcing the Kingdom’s stance against proposals to relocate Palestinians. It sends a message of unity and support during a time of hardship for the Palestinian people.
Broader Context
The initiative comes at a critical time in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Saudi Arabia is balancing its diplomatic relations, including recent talks with the U.S. and other Arab states, while addressing the Gaza crisis.
The Kingdom has rejected Trump’s Gaza plan, which proposed displacing Palestinians, and is working on alternative reconstruction proposals with Egypt, Jordan, and others. The hosting of Palestinian pilgrims is both a humanitarian and political act, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position against forced displacement and its advocacy for a Palestinian state.
Additionally, strict Hajj regulations, such as visa bans for 14 countries and entry restrictions to Mecca, highlight the Kingdom’s efforts to manage the pilgrimage securely while making exceptions for initiatives like this. The gesture may also strengthen Saudi Arabia’s image as a supporter of Palestinian rights amid regional and international scrutiny.
