Muslim pilgrims arrive at the Mina tent camp during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, near the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, June 14, 2024. (AP)

Over two million Muslims from around the globe embarked on the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia on Friday.

This sacred rite, one of the five pillars of Islam, began with pilgrims making their way towards the Grand Mosque, with the initial goal of reaching Mina, a significant step in the Hajj rituals that trace the footsteps of the Prophet Mohammed.

Mina, a valley situated 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) northeast of the Grand Mosque of Mecca, becomes a bustling hub during the Hajj period, though it is uninhabited during Hajj.

In light of the ongoing aggression on Gaza, Saudi Arabia announced plans to host 1,000 family members of Palestinians killed or wounded in Gaza. This initiative, reported by local media on Sunday, is part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program, organized by the Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry under the directive of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

This follows a similar directive issued in May, bringing the total number of hosted Palestinians for this year’s Hajj to 2,000, as noted by Arab News.

The Hajj pilgrimage is, within Islam, intended to be undertaken by all Muslims who are financially and physically able, at least once in their lifetime.

Check out: What is Hajj?