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As a further step towards normalcy, Israel is optimistic that it would be able to set up direct flights from Israel to Saudi Arabia for the Haj, the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca, this year. A diplomatic source expressed hope about the ongoing negotiations on Monday. The comments were made following days of consistent rumors of a breakthrough in negotiations before the pilgrimage, which is scheduled to take place from June 26 to July 1 this year. According to Maariv, only Israeli Muslims would be permitted on the flights out of Ben-Gurion and Ramon Airports. 4,500 Israelis are anticipated to travel to Mecca this year, up from 2,700 last year. Most previously traveled via Jordan. FM Cohen claims that normalization with Saudi Arabia is imminent. According to Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, normalization with Saudi Arabia is "not a matter of if, but when," he told The Jerusalem Post last week. Saudi Arabia and we have similar interests. During their visit to Jeddah this mon...

  More than 2.5 million people gathered at the Grand Mosque in the holy city of Mecca in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the 29th night of the holy month of Ramadan to perform Isha and Taraweeh prayers as well as watch the conclusion of Quran recitation. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), people started gathering at Masjid al-Haram (the Great Mosque of Mecca) in the early hours of the day on Wednesday. Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, a leading imam of the Grand Mosque, led prayers on the 29th night of the holy month of Ramadan. He called on Allah to protect Saudi Arabia and all Muslim countries from evil. He prayed for the stability and safety of the region. The General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in the Kingdom said that the government agency implemented all necessary procedures and services to ensure the safety of the worshippers. The worshippers performed the Isha prayer, Taraweeh prayer, and Qiyam Al Layl on Wednesday. .Th...

  At least 20 people were killed around 4:00 pm on Monday and 29 more injured after a bus carrying pilgrims collided with a barrier at the end of a bridge, overturned, and caught fire in Saudi Arabia's southwestern region. The incident in the southern province of Asir, bordering Yemen, comes during the holy month of Ramadan, a busy time for the Umrah pilgrimage, and just months before scores of Muslims will make the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Although the state-affiliated Al Ekhbariya channel reported that the victims had "different nationalities", it did not mention them or provide a breakdown. Footage broadcast on the channel showed what appeared to be the burned-out shell of the bus. While the private newspaper Okaz said an issue with the brakes prompted the accident, Al Ekhbariya reported the vehicle had "car trouble". The bus had departed Khamis Mushayt and was heading to Abha. Monday's accident occurred in Aqabat Shaar, a 14 km road that was open...