Eid al-Adha celebration
Nearly two million Muslim worshippers are performing the last major Hajj ritual in Saudi Arabia, as the Islamic world celebrates Eid al-Adha or the feast of sacrifice. The pilgrims are now performing the Throwing Pebbles ritual in Mina valley outside the city of Mecca. The ritual consists of throwing seven pebbles at three walls that symbolize Satan. After the ritual, the pilgrims leave Mina to mark the Eid by offering prayers at Mecca’s Grand Mosque, which is the holiest site in the Islamic tradition. The Eid is also marked by Muslims across the world. The faithful sacrifice a livestock animal on the day if they can afford it. This is to commemorate Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his only son, Ismail, upon the God’s command. Abraham was exempted from that after proving the purity of his faith and was instead offered a ram to sacrifice.
US-Israeli genocide in Gaza
Israeli strikes on Gaza claim more Palestinian lives and cause further destruction across the besieged strip. In the latest attacks, two people were killed in the southern city of Rafah. Ambulances carrying the injured people were also targeted. Additionally, 5 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike on the al-Shaboura refugee camp. Meanwhile, Israel has confirmed the deaths of two of its own officers in the battles in northern Gaza, bringing the total number of Israeli soldiers killed this month to sixteen. The US-Israeli genocide has so far claimed lives of over 37,300 Gazans.
Iran presidential vote
With the 14th presidential election in Iran set for June 28, the country's political landscape is busy with candidates competing for the top office. Speaking at the University of Tehran, candidate Masoud Pezeshkian called for overcoming internal divisions. Fellow candidate Alireza Zakani, speaking in a televised program, promised to take a hands-off approach to the private sector, vowing that his government would rely on businesses rather than interfering in the production chain. And in a press conference, another presidential contender Seyyed Amirhossein Ghazizadeh-Hashemi, stressed that the president must have a clear ideological framework and comprehensive policies to solve the country's problems.