Saudi forces arrest pilgrim for raising Palestinian flag in Mecca

Saudi security forces arrested an Egyptian pilgrim at the Grand Mosque in Mecca after he raised the Palestinian flag beside the Kaaba and called for an end to Gaza’s siege and starvation. The actions by the Saudi authorities has triggered widespread condemnation.

Footage shared online shows the man crying out “Wa Islamah!”, a phrase used historically to express anguish when Islam or Muslims are under threat, as he pleads for urgent intervention to help Gaza’s starving population.

Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman rose to power in 2017, rights groups have documented a surge in arrests linked to peaceful speech, particularly posts viewed as critical of the kingdom’s foreign policy or regional alliances.

As Israel’s war on Gaza continues, the arrest in Mecca has deepened concerns that public support for Palestine is being criminalised in Saudi Arabia.