Over 1.5 million Muslims from around the globe have converged on Mecca as the Hajj pilgrimage commences this week.

Saudi officials say more than 1.5 million foreign pilgrims have arrived in the country by Tuesday, the vast majority by air, from across the world. More are expected, and hundreds of thousands of Saudis and others living in Saudi Arabia will also join them when the pilgrimage officially begins on Friday.

Officials anticipate this year's attendance to surpass the 1.8 million pilgrims of 2023, nearing the pre-pandemic turnout. In 2019, the pilgrimage saw over 2.4 million attendees.

Among the early arrivals were 4,200 Palestinians from the West Bank, while those from Gaza were unable to attend due to the war.

Pilgrims have been observed performing "Tawaf," the traditional circumambulation of the Kaaba, amidst daytime temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius (107 Fahrenheit).

The ritual activities will continue into the first day of Hajj, with pilgrims set to journey to the Mountain of Arafat and Muzdalifah for further observances, including the symbolic stoning of pillars at Mina.

The Hajj, a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially capable, is seen as a chance to reaffirm faith, seek forgiveness, and make a fresh start.