The annual Hajj pilgrimage has begun, drawing more than 1.5 million Muslims to Saudi Arabia. This significant religious event is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
This year's pilgrimage occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, particularly related to the ongoing conflict in Iran, where a tenuous ceasefire is currently in place.
The convergence of such a large number of pilgrims amid these circumstances underscores the complexities faced by the region, as faith and geopolitics intertwine during this sacred time.