Palestinians to Mark Arafat Death Anniversary with Events, Rallies

Ramallah, MINA – Palestinians are planning a number of events and rallies in the West Bank and Gaza Strip to mark the 13th anniversary for the death of iconic Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, WAFA reported, quoting a senior Fatah official on Tuesday.

Mahmoud Aloul, deputy head of President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah movement, told Voice of Palestine radio that the commemoration activities will start on Thursday with an event at the Arafat’s mausoleum in Ramallah.

However, the main anniversary commemoration activity will be held in Gaza on Saturday, the day Arafat died 13 years ago at a Paris hospital where he was rushed following deterioration on his health after being under Israeli military siege at his Ramallah headquarters for months.

The Gaza rally, made possible after the recent reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas, is going to be held at the Saraya grounds.

A cultural activity is also planned for Friday evening by the Yasser Arafat Foundation at the Ramallah Cultural Palace, where winners of the Yasser Arafat Achievement Award will be announced. T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)