Hyderabad, May 25 -- Thousands of Palestinians in Gaza are again unable to join the annual Haj pilgrimage for the third consecutive year, as ongoing war conditions and crossing closures continue to block travel from the territory.

As pilgrims gather in Makkah, residents across Gaza remain trapped by displacement and movement restrictions. Media reports highlighted how war and displacement have shattered the hopes of Palestinians preparing for the pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage plans destroyed by war

Before the conflict, Gaza pilgrims travelled through the Rafah crossing into Egypt before continuing to Saudi Arabia. Since the crossing was closed during the war, civilian travel has remained severely restricted.

Suad Hajjaj told Anadolu News Age...