Over 1.5 million Muslim pilgrims are in place in Mecca as hajj, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, officially begins. The war in Gaza casts long shadows over this year's pilgrimage. Saudi authorities have issued warnings against political expressions.
Leaders of the G7 countries are in agreement to lend Ukraine up to 50 billion dollars with frozen Russian assets as collateral. The agreement is confirmed by the host country, Italy. Ukraine welcomes the support, while the aggressor Russia threatens to seize American assets.