On Friday, the Saudi government reassured potential visitors that it is prepared to handle any public health risks during the upcoming hajj season, particularly in light of rising international worries regarding Ebola and hantavirus.
Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca, is a significant duty for every Muslim, required at least once in their lifetime. Each year, Saudi Arabia generally hosts over a million Muslims for this occasion, drawing attendees from various nations, even from those with strained relations, like Iran. Scheduled to officially begin on May 25, this year’s hajj is anticipated to have around 1.5 million participants, with many foreign tourists arriving early.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged two significant health threats in recent weeks: a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship and an increase in cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Argentina is actively working to control the hantavirus situation, while health workers in the DRC are facing serious security issues as insurgents challenge their efforts and attempt to recover the bodies of victims.
This week, the WHO stated that a global Ebola emergency seems unlikely, although officials admitted that it took nearly a month for authorities in the DRC to acknowledge and respond to the outbreak. Despite this, there are worries that the situation might spiral out of control, potentially spreading beyond Africa if not adequately managed.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that in response to these issues, health officials in Saudi Arabia issued a statement affirming their readiness to screen visitors and implement necessary health measures.
According to Saudi public health authorities, they are reinforcing safety measures for those arriving from neighboring countries like Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Republic of Congo. They emphasized that precautions have been heightened, particularly at airports and travel hubs, asserting that they are “well prepared to protect its citizens, residents, and pilgrims.”
Additionally, German news agency Deutsche Welle highlighted that there are considerable security threats facing Saudi Arabia due to its location and the ongoing, albeit paused, tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
“It’s the first year Saudi Arabia has opted to proceed with the Hajj amid a war affecting its territory directly,” the agency noted, adding that expert opinions suggest Iran, despite having 30,000 citizens involved in the Hajj, is unlikely to target Saudi Arabia during this period.
Saudi Arabia, with its Sunni monarchy, and Iran, the largest Shiite Muslim nation, have a history of turbulent relations. However, in 2023, tensions eased somewhat when the Chinese Communist Party facilitated the normalization of ties between the two countries. Yet, Iran’s past support for hostile activities in the region and public opposition to the Saudi monarchy have occasionally led to renewed hostilities, particularly when Iran initiated bombings in March.
In March, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, remarked that trust had been severely compromised, suggesting that even after the conflict ends, rebuilding relationships might take considerable time.
During a summit of Gulf nations impacted by Iranian attacks, he further stated that Iran must cease its actions soon, or it risks irreparable damage to its credibility.
The operation is currently on an indefinite ceasefire, with President Trump indicating ongoing negotiations for peace with Iran, contingent on halting its illegal nuclear activities, which Iran has categorically rejected. As of now, the ceasefire remains in place. Various Islamic nations, including Saudi Arabia, have requested Trump to refrain from resuming airstrikes during the Hajj due to its sacred significance. These nations reportedly warned that continued strikes could leave countless foreigners stranded in Saudi Arabia post-Hajj.
On Monday, President Trump acknowledged considering re-engaging in airstrikes against Iran’s regime but decided against it after appeals from several Islamic leaders, stating he had instructed the Army to hold off on planned strikes.
