Saudi Arabia expanded a rare freeze on pilgrimages to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina by foreigners to also include Saudi citizens and residents due to concerns about the new coronavirus, state news agency SPA reported.

Al-Wefaq addressed the following open message to all the leaders, kings, presidents and officials gathered at the three summits in the holy city of Mecca, in which they called them to reconcile with their people, adopt openness and political partnership and the principle of good governance, and redistribute wealth.

The Qatari authorities have accused Saudi Arabia of jeopardising the annual hajj pilgrimage to Mecca of Qatari pilgrims by refusing to guarantee their safety.

The Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society denounced the failing terrorist operation that targeted the Grand Mosque of Mecca in the holy month of Ramadan.