Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has directed to host 200 men and women from the families and relatives of the victims of the massacre at the two mosques in Christchurch city in New Zealand to perform the Haj this year at his own personal expenses.

More than 50 worshipers were killed and tens of others injured during the massacre.

The King has a program of free Haj and Umrah for prominent Muslims from all over the world.

This year, King Salman is hosting 2,000 from the families and relatives of the Palestinian martyrs as well as 1,300 other pilgrims from 72 countries.

Abdullatif Al-Asheikh, minister of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, which is supervising the project, expressed thanks and gratitude to the King for this noble and humanitarian gesture toward the victims of the flagrant aggression which is rejected by all religions.

He said hosting of the families and relatives of the victims of the massacre was within the Kingdom's efforts to confront terrorism and fight terrorists.

"This gesture will alleviate the pain and suffering of the families and relatives," he added.

The minister said the ministry will liaise with the Saudi embassy in New Zealand to speedily complete the procedures of the King's guests for the Haj.