Fatah Supporters Rally in Gaza to Commemorate 13th Anniversary of Arafat’s Death

Fatah supporters take part in a rally marking the death anniversary of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, in Gaza City November 11, 2017 (Reuters)
Fatah supporters take part in a rally marking the death anniversary of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, in Gaza City November 11, 2017 (Reuters)
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Fatah Supporters Rally in Gaza to Commemorate 13th Anniversary of Arafat’s Death

Fatah supporters take part in a rally marking the death anniversary of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, in Gaza City November 11, 2017 (Reuters)
Fatah supporters take part in a rally marking the death anniversary of late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, in Gaza City November 11, 2017 (Reuters)

Fatah Movement in the Gaza Strip marked the 13th anniversary of the death of Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat in a mass rally that gathered hundreds of thousands of people in the Saraya Square in the city center. The movement described the rally as a proof of its popularity and large presence in Gaza, ten years after Hamas took control over the area.

Ahmed Halas, a member of the movement’s central committee and its leader in the Gaza Strip, said those who besieged Arafat were now trying to oppose Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

He stressed that the late president laid the foundations for maintaining the independent Palestinian decision and raising the slogan of non-interference in the affairs of other countries, “a slogan that still stands, and is the title of our cooperation and our relationship with all forces and countries.”

Halas emphasized that the Fatah movement would not relinquish efforts towards reconciliation with Hamas, and that it would go beyond any differences and obstacles that might arise, noting that the movement would not return to divisions and would strive to achieve the settlement.

Saturday’s rally was the first to be held by Fatah movement in the wake of the ongoing talks to achieve Palestinian reconciliation between the movement and Hamas.

Palestinians marched from distant areas to participate in the festival, and raised Palestinian and Fatah flags, along with pictures of Arafat and Abbas. Representatives and leaders of all the factions were present, but a shy representation of Hamas was noted in the event.

The Palestinian president delivered a speech on the occasion, in which he spoke about the memory of the late President Arafat and his role in national unity and revolutionary positions, pledging to follow the path of “Abu Ammar”, whom he described more than once as “his brother”.



Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
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Barrack Says Hezbollah Involvement in Iran-Israel War Would Be 'Very Bad Decision'

A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)
A handout photo released by the Lebanese Presidency press office on June 19, 2025 shows Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun (R) welcoming US negotiator Thomas Barrack at the presidential palace of Baabda east of Beirut. (Photo by Lebanese Presidency / AFP)

The US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack on Thursday warned Hezbollah against getting involved in the war between its main backer Iran and Israel.

"I can say on behalf of President (Donald) Trump... that would be a very, very, very bad decision," Barrack said, responding to a question on what the US position would be on any involvement by Hezbollah in the war.

Barrack met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace and Speaker Nabih Berri in Ain el-Tineh.

Hezbollah has condemned Israel's strikes on Iran and expressed full solidarity with its leadership.

Hezbollah on Thursday expressed support for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following threats by Israeli leaders that he could be killed.

In a statement, Hezbollah said that “threats to assassinate (Khamenei) are foolish and reckless, and will have disastrous consequences.”

But the group has stopped short of making explicit threats to intervene.

Israel's defense minister said Thursday that Khamenei "can no longer be allowed to exist" after an Israeli hospital was hit during an Iranian missile attack.

"Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed -- he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals. He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal," Israel Katz told journalists in Holon near Tel Aviv. "Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist."

Killing Khamenei would "end the conflict" between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.