(IsraelNN.com) Palestinian Authority Chairman and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas, speaking in Ramallah in memory of his predecessor Yasser Arafat, praised "the path of the shahids [martyrs]--"the path we cherish." He added, "It is aimed at upholding the Palestinians' nationalist and sovereign resolutions."

Israeli and Western governments almost always describe Abbas a as a "moderate," particularly when comparing him with leaders of Hamas, which the same governments have defined as a terrorist organization.

Abbas told thousands at the rally, "The Palestinian leadership will continue to follow Yasser Arafat's path until a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established." Arafat carried out or ordered thousands of major and minor terrorist attacks before he died four years ago.

Israeli Arab Knesset Member (United Arab List—Ta'al) Ahmed Tibi also addressed the rally at Ramallah, saying that "we miss Arafat's keffiyeh - a symbol for all revolutionaries, freedom-seekers worldwide." He expressed the hope that Arafat will "rise from the grave and lead" Arabs.

Foreign media generally omitted Abbas's remarks on martyrs, which usually refers to suicide bombers, and highlighted his comments on the need for PA unity. The Bethlehem-based Maan news agency, considered to be close to the PA, told readers, "Abbas said the Palestinians were determined to pursue the 'peace of the brave that Arafat stood for.' Alluding to Hamas, Abbas added that 'the Palestinian nationalist resolution will not be dictated by external elements.'"
Foreign media generally omitted Abbas's remarks on martyrs, which usually refers to suicide bombers, and highlighted his comments on the need for PA unity.

 
Both Maan and foreign media reported that Hamas banned Gaza rallies in memory of Arafat, who established and headed the Fatah party until his death. Maan stressed Abbas's call for unity and added that Fatah believes in democracy "even if we do not like the outcome."

The Greek AKI news service headlined Hamas's declaration of a state of alert in Gaza, where marches were banned, "effectively preventing Fatah supporters from commemorating his death." It briefly mentioned later in its report that "Abbas said Arafat and other important Palestinian 'martyrs' should be remembered regardless of their faction."

The Chinese news agency Xinhua also highlighted Hamas's ban on marches and the use of violence against offenders. It quoted a 16-year-old student, "They stopped every student who has the Keffiyeh on his shoulder and beat him, describing us and Abu Amar (Arafat) as infidel seculars."
 
The French news agency AFP also headlined Abbas's "bitter attack" on Hamas, accusing it of sabotaging efforts to reach a unity agreement with Fatah. No mention was made of Abbas's praise of martyrs.