Gaza Conflict Continues,West Bank Marks Arafat‘s Death Anniversary
GAZA/RAMALLAH – Recovery efforts continue in Gaza City,with Civil Defense teams locating 20 bodies near the Sheikh Radwan Clinic on Tuesday.Authorities report the bodies were found in unmarked graves within the clinic’s grounds, adn many remain unidentified. Search operations are ongoing for additional missing individuals in the area.
gaza’s health authorities reported receiving three bodies and several wounded individuals in the past 24 hours, bringing the total casualties since the ceasefire began on October 10th too 245 killed and 623 injured. Rescue teams have recovered a total of 529 bodies from across the Gaza Strip since that date.
The overall death toll from the conflict, begining October 7, 2023, has reached 69,182, with 170,694 reported injuries.
(See accompanying photos: Destruction in Sheikh Radwan, Gaza City and Arafat’s tomb in Ramallah)
West Bank Commemorates Arafat
Palestinians in the West Bank observed the 21st anniversary of the death of former Palestinian leader Yasser arafat on Tuesday. A ceremony was held at Arafat’s tomb in Ramallah, with Palestinian Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa laying wreaths.
Arafat died on November 11, 2004, at the age of 75 in a French hospital from an undetermined illness. Palestinians have long alleged Israel was responsible for his death through poisoning, a claim Israel has consistently denied.
Hundreds of Palestinians marched in Ramallah, displaying images of arafat and Palestinian flags. Wasel Abu Youssef, a member of the Palestine Liberation organization (PLO) Executive Committee, delivered a speech, as reported by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, stating that Arafat “embodied the unity of the Palestinian people within the framework of the PLO and the launch of the contemporary Palestinian revolution.”
Abu Youssef also cautioned against efforts to undermine Palestinian resolve and attempts to divide the Gaza Strip, according to WAFA. Commemorative events were also held in Salfit, Bethlehem, and Tulkarm, with participation from local officials and residents.
