Gaza is celebrating the anniversary of the great politic’s death, 13 years ago Yassi Arafat passed away. Since then, the new generation has appeared but all the residents of Gaza remember this unbelievable person who made a lot for the independence and power of Palestinian people.
Tens of thousands of Gaza residents have joined commemorations marking the 13th anniversary of the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. In 2017, the anniversary of Arafat’s death the first time in 10 years is celebrating in Hamas-governed Gaza. Fifty years ago, Israel has occupied the Palestinian territories.
Thousands of people from across the Gaza Strip poured into Saraya Square in Gaza City from early morning, hours before the keynote speeches were due to be delivered. Activists described and promoted the Saturday event as a national day of unity, and that is true: everyone Palestinian is grateful to the late founder of the Fatah movement, Yassir Arafat.
The recent deal (between the opposing parties Fatah and Hamas) is designed to see Hamas hand civil control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority led by current Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas by December 1, could end years of rivalry between the two parties. Everyone hopes for this peaceful end of the half-century rivalry.
It is worth to note that the security forces are tasked to protect and support Saturday’s commemoration, which he described as a “festival of unity”. According to the organisers, more than 100,000 people were in attendance to celebrate the 13th anniversary of Arafat’s death.
‘Festival of unity’ in Gaza Strip
Participants waved Palestinian flags and placards calling for unity, as well as pictures of both Arafat and Abbas.
In a pre-recorded speech broadcast on large screens, Abbas hailed his predecessor’s legacy.
“Our Palestinian people, who have always loved you as a great leader, still have that love, respect and loyalty.”
Abbas said the Palestinians were pushing ahead to seal reconciliation and to achieve Arafat’s “dream… for freedom, sovereignty and independence on our Palestinian national soil”.
