Millions gather in Mecca for Hajj

1. The annual Hajj opened in Mecca, drawing pilgrims from around the world to the Grand Mosque and wider rites.
2. Saudi officials said more than 1.5 million pilgrims had reached the kingdom, with more arrivals expected.
3. The gathering comes amid regional security concerns tied to Middle East conflict, but many travelers continued anyway.
4. At the Kaaba, pilgrims performed Tawaf, circling inside Mecca’s Grand Mosque as the ritual sequence began.