Masses of pilgrims engaged in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia under extreme heat, marking the final days of the Hajj pilgrimage and the start of Eid al-Adha celebrations, Associated Press reports.
This year saw over 1.8 million pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat with temperatures reaching 47°C (116.6°F) in Mecca, posing severe challenges to the attendees especially the elderly. The extreme heat reportedly led to 14 Jordanian deaths from sunstroke and over 2,760 cases of heat stress among pilgrims. Despite the intense heat, pilgrims carried out the rites, often using umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun.
This year’s Hajj coincided with the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, notably the Israel-Hamas war. The closure of the Rafah crossing amid Israel’s extended ground offensive prevented Palestinians in Gaza from participating.
