Two Palestinian brothers who live in Norway reunited with their father after 17 years of separation at this year's Hajj pilgrimage, Sabq reported.
Ayman and Ziad Abu Younes left Gaza for Norway years ago and were never able or allowed - due to it being a restricted area - to make it back to see their father or any of their relatives.
During a phone conversation ahead of this year's pilgrimage, the duo's father told them he had received a permit to attend Hajj.
"This is when I thought to myself: Maybe we could meet him there," Ziad explained.
A complicated application process
Ziad and his brother wasted no time. They immediately headed to Saudi Arabia's embassy in Norway, hoping that they'd still be able to apply for Hajj permits.
"When we arrived there, an employee told us the deadline for permit applications had already passed. We then asked if we could speak with the ambassador and he immediately agreed to see us," Ziad added.
After meeting with Issam Abed, Saudi's ambassador in Norway, he promised both brothers that he would try to get them exceptional permits.
"A few days later, we got a call with someone telling us we'd gotten the permits and I just couldn't contain my happiness. We were finally going to see our father," Ziad explained.
After flying to Saudi Arabia earlier this month, the family finally reunited.
Speaking to Sabq, they all expressed their gratitude to Saudi officials who allowed for the emotional reunion to happen.