Loyalists cry vengeance at Gaza strongman's burial
Reuters
Date: 09-09-05
By Nidal al-Mughrabi
GAZA (Reuters) - Firing rifles in the air, scores of loyalists of slain Palestinian ex-security chief Moussa Arafat vowed to avenge his killing by militants as he was buried in Gaza on Friday.
The death of Arafat, shot dead on Wednesday by gunmen who stormed his home, underscored the turmoil in the Gaza Strip and increased fears of internal strife after Israel completes its pullout from the occupied territory next week.
"The killers must be punished," chanted dozens of armed men surrounding Arafat's coffin, draped in Palestinian colors as it was borne through Gaza streets on a military vehicle.
"We will give our souls and blood to redeem you Moussa Arafat," they cried, firing shots in the air.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas joined prayers at a mosque for Arafat, a cousin of the late leader Yasser Arafat.
But officials were prevented from joining the funeral march by Arafat loyalists -- who accuse the Palestinian Authority of failing to act against the killers.
Security forces nearby did not intervene as masked militants battled for more than 30 minutes to get into Arafat's home, then dragged him out and shot him dead. His adult son, Manhal, was kidnapped in the raid and released on Thursday.
Militants from the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) claimed the killing, accusing Arafat of collaborating with Israel and corruption.
The group said that Manhal had been freed after Palestinian Authority negotiators undertook to redress "the crimes of the dead collaborator Moussa Arafat."
Maj.-Gen. Arafat was a Gaza strongman kept as an adviser by Abbas after being fired as head of military intelligence in an anti-corruption crackdown in April.
Arafat, who never shied from using force himself, made many enemies among militant factions waging an uprising against Israel since 2000 and also within the ruling Fatah movement.
The funeral parade was small by Gaza standards for a figure so prominent.
Abbas office quoted the president as saying that Arafat had been "assassinated by treacherous hands." There was no comment made on whether any action would be taken against the PRC.
Gaza is widely seen as a testing ground for the statehood that Palestinians also want in the West Bank and Abbas is under pressure to ensure order after Israel finishes its military pullout next week after 38 years of occupation.
In a clear sign that Arafat's family meant to seek reprisals, they dismantled a tent erected to host people coming to pay condolences -- in accordance with tradition that revenge should come before receiving expressions of sympathy.
Source
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