21.   But Israel refused because the pilgrims involved are either Israeli citizens or residents of West Bank areas not yet under autonomous Palestinian rule as in Gaza and Jericho.

22.   Durnik said he was hopeful the pilgrims would be able to resume their trip as soon as Tuesday, but he gave no guarantees.

23.   If the Iraqi pilgrims are to reach their destination, Saudi authorities presumably would have to bus them or fly them from a nearby airport.

24.   In Muzdalifah, the pilgrims were performing sunset and night prayers and collecting pebbles for the next phase of the hajj, the ritualistic stoning of the devil.

25.   It did not say how many aircraft or pilgrims would be involved, and no flights were reported by nightfall.

26.   It did not say how many pilgrims were on board.

27.   Late Tuesday, the road linking the isolated regions near Amarnath cave, where the pilgrims were to pay homage to the Hindu god, Shiva, was opened.

28.   Many pilgrims were illiterate and needed help getting their documents in order.

29.   On Friday, the pilgrims were the first ordinary Palestinians to use the regular passports for travel.

30.   The pilgrims are to visit sites sacred to Shiite Muslims.