First batch of Gaza pilgrims leaves for Makkah

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The first batch of Gaza pilgrims on Tuesday Evening left the Strip en route to the Egyptian airport of Al-Arish before flying to Saudi Arabia at dawn to perform hajj rituals.Palestinian minister of religious affairs Ismail Radwan, who personally supervised the departure of the first batch, told journalists at Rafah border crossing that this batch comprised 165 pilgrims and would be followed by others in the coming few days.Radwan said that all preparations are already in place to facilitate their trip and there is a crew of well-trained employees delegated to serve the pilgrims 24 hours a day either at Rafah crossing or in the holy lands in Saudi Arabia.The number of Gaza pilgrims this year is 2, 750 Palestinians and there are 1, 000 others to leave Gaza for the holy city of Makkah later as part of the generous grant provided for them by the Saud king./129