Makkah – Saudi security forces have arrested an Egyptian pilgrim at the Grand Mosque in Makkah after he raised the Palestinian flag and chanted slogans highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reported the Siasat.
A 35-second video of the incident has gone viral on social media, showing the man emotionally waving the Palestinian flag near the Kaaba and crying out, “Wa Islamah!”—a historic Islamic call of distress—followed by, “The children of Gaza are dying. O Muslims!”
The pilgrim was swiftly approached and detained by Saudi officers within moments of the protest.
The incident has ignited a fresh wave of criticism online, reigniting debate around Saudi Arabia’s strict prohibition on political expression at Islamic holy sites. The kingdom enforces a policy that bans all forms of political messaging during Haj and Umrah, including waving flags or chanting slogans. Authorities argue that the rules are in place to preserve the sanctity and spiritual atmosphere of the holy sites.
However, critics allege that these rules are disproportionately used to suppress pro-Palestinian sentiment and silence voices calling for justice.
This is not an isolated case. In April, a Turkish woman was reportedly denied entry to the Grand Mosque for wearing a headband featuring Palestinian symbolism. In February 2024, a Palestinian woman was detained for carrying a bag displaying the Palestinian flag. Later in November, an Algerian pilgrim and a Turkish sheikh were also detained for publicly praying for Palestine during their pilgrimage.
The arrest comes amid escalating concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which remains under a tight blockade and has been facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, coupled with ongoing Israeli airstrikes.
Global calls for urgent humanitarian assistance and solidarity with Palestinians continue to grow, with many netizens criticizing the Saudi crackdown on even symbolic gestures of support.
