JERICHO, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 (WAFA) - The first batch of Palestinian pilgrims left the West Bank today through al-Karameh/King Hussein/Allenby bridge crossing with Jordan heading to Makkah in Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage.

An estimated 2,100 pilgrims are expected to leave by tonight, while 1,800 more pilgrims are expected to leave tomorrow, Wednesday. After arriving in Amman, Jordan, the pilgrims will then travel to Makkah, some on flights but the majority on buses.

The crossing is going to be open around the clock today and tomorrow in both directions to facilitate the travel of pilgrims.

Pilgrims from the Gaza Strip also started yesterday their trip to Makkah, traveling through Rafah crossing with Egypt before flying to Saudi Arabia.

The peak of the pilgrimage, which coincides with the first day of Eid al-Adha, is expected to be around the end of this month.

M.K.