The terror group Hamas has been accused of responsibility for the recent terror bombings of Fatah members homes in Gaza according to a AFP report.
At least 10 bombs were exploded at the homes and vehicles used by Fatah members whom lived in the city. One bomb targeted the newly erected stage that was to be used to mark the tenth anniversary of Arafat's death at an upcoming commemoration.
"Fatah condemns and deplores the explosions targeting the homes and property of its leaders and the stage," said a statement from the party.
"Bombing the stage is evidence that those behind the attacks are looking to derail the national unity agreement and the festival," it said, demanding that the unity government investigate who was behind the attacks.
Hamas, apparently stung by the criticism of its continued use of terror tactics, responded by simply taking its toys and going home by canceling the
event and thus deprive Palestinians living in Gaza their first opportunity in years to publicly celebrate their former leader.
Perhaps Hamas fears his shadow and the unity he brought to the Palestinian people.
Palestinians are unanimous in their belief that their iconic national leader would not have allowed the quasi civil war between Fatah and Hamas in 2007 which saw the Islamist movement ousting their rivals from Gaza and the establishment of two separate administrations.
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In the West Bank city of Ramallah, a band paid musical tributes as thousands waved the yellow flag of Fatah at the Muqataa presidential compound where Arafat was buried after dying, aged 75, at a hospital near Paris on November 11, 2004.
"The hour of freedom and independence has arrived," read a giant banner on the stage where Abbas gave a speech.
But in Gaza City, Arafat's portrait was nowhere to be seen and the stage where the tribute was to have taken place bore the marks of an explosion last Friday.